Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), together with its partners, today inaugurated MTerra Solar Phase 1, marking the completion of the first phase of what is set to become the world's largest integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS).
The milestone underscores the Philippines' growing leadership in large-scale renewable energy development while reinforcing the country's path toward a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
During the inauguration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the country's ability to execute renewable energy projects on a significant scale.
"The MTerra Solar project is proof that the Philippines is capable not only of envisioning, but also of delivering."
MGEN Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan shared his vision for a future in which clean, reliable energy is within reach of every Filipino.
"What we inaugurate today will be the world's largest integrated solar and battery storage facility located on a single site. And it rises not in Texas, not in the Gobi Desert, but right here in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. This inauguration was made possible not only by Meralco but by many other hands, minds, and hearts."
MTerra Solar Phase 1 has successfully energized 1,373 MW of solar PV capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage, equivalent to 3,300 megawatt-hours (MWh), making it the world's largest operational integrated solar and battery facility on a single site. At present, its maximum export capacity to the Luzon grid remains at 750 MW, pending completion of the remaining works being undertaken in coordination with the grid operator. The project has also fully energized all 741 battery units, enabling it to reliably deliver clean electricity to the Luzon grid.
Following the successful completion of required grid tests, the MTerra Solar facility is now ready to fulfill its 600-megawatt mid-merit power supply agreement (PSA) with Meralco, providing customers with a dependable source of clean energy. As of the end of June 2026, more than 2,000 MWdc of solar panels had been installed under Phase 1, while the project had safely logged more than 30 million work hours without a lost-time injury.
"MGEN has always believed that the energy transition must deliver not only cleaner power, but also reliable and affordable electricity for Filipinos. MTerra Solar demonstrates what is possible when vision, innovation, and collaboration come together. Beyond building one of the world's most significant renewable energy facilities, we are helping build a stronger and more resilient Philippine energy system capable of supporting the country's long-term economic growth," said Emmanuel V. Rubio, president and CEO of MGEN.
A Global First, Built by Filipinos for the Philippines
Reflecting the inauguration's theme, "Araw ng Pilipino," MTerra Solar stands as a proud symbol of what the Philippines can achieve through Filipino ingenuity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to nation-building. More than a milestone for MGEN, MTerra Solar is a milestone for the Philippines.
As the world's largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage facility developed on a single site, MTerra Solar showcases the country's ability to deliver infrastructure of global significance through the collective efforts of government, the private sector, host communities, and thousands of Filipino workers. Beyond setting a new global benchmark in renewable energy, MTerra Solar reflects the ingenuity, determination, and collaboration of Filipinos in building a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
Recognizing the project's significance to the Philippines' energy future, Lucy Heintz, partner and head of Energy Infrastructure at Actis, said:
"We are delighted to be working with the high-quality MGEN team to energize 1,373 MW of domestic energy for the Philippines, reducing import dependence, improving resilience, and accelerating energy security, while giving the government and industrial customers greater visibility over future power costs. It's fantastic to see the Philippines leading the world in delivering such a solution."
Powering Energy Sufficiency Through Affordable Renewable Energy
As electricity demand continues to grow, MTerra Solar plays a vital role in strengthening the Philippines' energy sufficiency by adding significant indigenous renewable energy capacity to the Luzon grid. As the lowest-cost mid-merit supply in Meralco's energy portfolio, Phase 1 of the project will deliver 600 MW of dependable renewable energy, helping provide customers with more affordable electricity, diversify the company's power supply portfolio, and reduce the country's reliance on imported fuels.
With its integrated battery energy storage system, MTerra Solar can store solar energy generated during the day and dispatch it during periods of peak demand, providing reliable mid-merit power that enhances grid stability and energy security. The project supports the Philippine Energy Plan as one of the country's largest energy infrastructure investments and advances the government's renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, while helping ensure sufficient, affordable, and reliable power to sustain the nation's economic growth.
Creating Shared Value for Host Communities
"MTerra Solar is designed to create shared value. Beyond delivering clean and affordable energy, we have invested Php88.6 million in education, livelihood, public safety, and community development to ensure the benefits of this project create lasting opportunities for the people of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan," said Dennis B. Jordan, president and CEO of MGEN Renewables and Terra Solar Philippines Inc.
Beyond generating clean electricity, MTerra Solar continues to invest in the long-term development of its host communities. Since Phase 1 began, the project has benefited more than 973,511 individual beneficiaries and 47 institutional beneficiaries.
Local residents have received technical training in renewable energy construction and operations, with many graduates subsequently joining the project's workforce. Road safety has also been enhanced through the installation of 260 solar-powered streetlights across host communities.
Sustainable livelihood opportunities have been created through the establishment of rent-free marketplace spaces for local entrepreneurs, enabling them to serve thousands of workers during peak construction. Traffic management has also been strengthened by training and equipping 214 community traffic marshals and establishing 17 marshal posts in strategic locations. Emergency preparedness has further improved with the turnover of a fire truck and the construction of a fire substation in Gapan City, enabling faster emergency response for nearby communities.
As construction progresses toward the project's full planned capacity, MTerra Solar will continue to serve as a cornerstone of the country's energy transition, demonstrating that world-class renewable energy infrastructure can simultaneously strengthen energy security, improve affordability, create shared prosperity for communities, and power a better tomorrow for the Philippines.
To demonstrate that renewable energy development can complement rather than compete with agriculture, MTerra Solar recently partnered with Central Luzon State University (CLSU) to conduct pioneering agrivoltaics research. The studies will evaluate how crops can be successfully cultivated around and beneath solar panels, generating science-based recommendations that support farmer livelihoods, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable land use.
