During the PhilEnergy Expo 2026, Meralco’s Head of Sustainability and Coms, Atty. Christer A. Gaudiano, introduced Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)’s Terra Solar and discussed the milestones of the project.
He was one of the five guest speakers at The PICC Energy Leadership Forum on June 26, 2026, held at World Trade Center, Pasay City. The forum was hosted by Philippine Infrastructure & Construction Club (PICC) in partnership with PhilEnergy. The forum’s theme is “Accelerating Green Resilience: Powering the Next Decade of Philippine Energy Security”.
The PICC Energy Leadership Forum was held on the final day of the PhilEnergy Expo 2026--a comprehensive 3-day energy trade event that centers on advancing clean energy, sustainable power technologies, and national energy security.
The First Spark Recap
The MTerra Solar project is a massive, multi-billion-peso clean energy initiative in the Philippines designed to be the world's largest single-site solar and battery storage facility. The project was developed by Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) through Terra Solar Philippines Inc.
MTerra Solar project spans a 3,500-hectare area across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
Here is a recap of the construction and Phase 1 Rollout (2025–2026)
- April 2025: Reached 42% overall construction completion.
- July 2025: Surpassed initial targets by installing 778 MW of solar photovoltaics (PV) panels, hitting a 54% progress rate. (Solar photovoltaics (or solar PV) is a revolutionary technology that converts daylight directly into electricity.)
- February 12, 2026: Completed initial grid synchronization and test energization with the Luzon grid. The milestone was marked through “The First Spark: MTerra Solar Phase 1 Initial Grid Synchronization and Energization,” an event held in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, attended by key government and industry stakeholders, including the Department of Energy Philippines (DOE), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and project partner Actis.
- March 14, 2026: Formally went live and started commercial power delivery as a generator to the Luzon grid.
- July 14, 2026: Officially inaugurated Phase 1 of the facility, boasting 1,373 MW of solar PV capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage. This marks 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).
- August 2026: Target for Phase 1 to reach full commercial availability and supply its contracted mid-merit power.
MTerra Solar project uses a massive BESS to store extra solar energy collected during the day and sends it to the power grid after the sun goes down. This is an example of an integrated battery energy storage systems that is designed for reliability.
During the “The First Spark” event in February 2026, MGEN announced that 2.4M households can be powered annually, with 4.3M tons of carbon emissions offset.
The Terra Solar Blueprint
At the PICC Forum, Atty. Christer A. Gaudiano discussed how Meralco is empowering sustainable energy transition with solar PV and storage innovations with his presentation, “The Terra Solar Blueprint: Scaling Renewable Baseload”.
He stated that sustainability is about creating a reliable, cost-competitive, and renewable energy system for future generations.
The energy transition is complex and requires a diversified portfolio, not just reliance on renewables.
Therefore, thermal capacity is essential for providing baseload power and supporting energy security and affordability.
Thermal capacity provides reliable baseload power by generating a constant, weather-independent supply of electricity from heat sources like coal, gas, nuclear, or geothermal energy. This steady output secures the electrical grid against sudden drops in wind or solar generation, preventing blackouts and stabilizing energy prices. With this concept in mind, we can further understand how MTerra Solar Project is different from all other solar PV applications.
Renewable energy, supported by energy storage, can offer a cleaner and more sustainable power supply.
The MTerra Solar project in the Philippines is a significant integrated solar and battery energy storage system. MTerra Solar will have 3,500 MW of solar PV capacity and 4,500 MWh of battery storage, supplying energy to 2.4 million households.
The project aims to reduce carbon emissions by 4.3 million tons annually, equivalent to removing 3 million cars from the road. The project reduces fossil fuel exposure and supports energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Energy storage allows solar energy to support demand even in the evening, enhancing its role in the grid. MTerra Solar will deliver 850 MW of supply to Meralco, making renewable energy system-relevant.
One of the notable milestones he mentioned is that MTerra Solar was able to deliver power to the grid 16 months after groundbreaking, showcasing rapid development.
However, for sustainability in the long run, large-scale renewable projects require collaboration across various sectors to ensure successful implementation.
Sustainability involves balancing current energy needs with future resilience and reducing external risks.
From his presentation, Atty. Gaudiano also mentioned some community involvement and benefits are integral to the MTerra Solar project, providing jobs and local development.
He emphasized that sustainability should be practical, inclusive, and focused on long-term benefits for communities and future generations.
“So, when we talk about sustainability, the first thing that often comes to our minds would be trees consultation or environmental programs. Obviously, those things really matter, but our generation of sustainability means more,” he said.
“It means something more complete. It means building up our system that future generations can actually depend on. One that is reliable, cost competitive, and increasingly renewable.”
“Over time, it also means where we are today because the energy transition is not as simple as choosing one technology and leaving everybody else behind. The power system does not work that way. Our economy doesn't work that way. It does not work that way for us at MGEN.”
“Sustainability is about managing the energy gain level responsively. We need reliable supply. We need to remain competitive and we need to keep building a cleaner energy over time. That is why our portfolio is not made up of renewable alone.”
With MGEN’s diversified portfolio, they believe that thermal capacity continues to provide the baseload power needed to support energy security and affordability.
Renewables, when it is supported by energy storage, help build a cleaners and more sustainable power supply that we all need in the future.
How can MGEN achieve a sustainable future in supplying reliable power source for the whole country? Their diversified energy solutions portfolio outlines their strategy.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), the power generation arm of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco)—the largest private sector electric distribution utility company in the Philippines.
On March 31, 2021, MGEN fully acquired Global Business Power Corporation (MGEN Thermal). This is one of the leading independent power producers in Visayas and Mindanao.
Additionally, MGEN holds stakes in PacificLight Power (PLP), a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Singapore, and has invested a 40.2% stake in an integrated LNG facility in Batangas.
MGEN and its subsidiaries utilize coal, liquefied natural gas, diesel, and solar technologies. They have a total net sellable capacity of 5,068 MW.
These plants are capable of supplying base, intermediate, peak load, and ancillary support. In order to move forward with the country’s transition towards a sustainable future, MGEN puts a premium to its goal of adding 1,500 MW of renewable energy to its current portfolio.
The MTerra Solar Project is a milestone that highlights 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.
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References:
[1] MTerra Solar Becomes Largest Solar PV Installation in PH
https://www.meralcopowergen.com.ph/mterra-solar-becomes-largest-solar-pv-installation-in-ph/
[2] MGEN Inaugurates MTerra Solar Phase 1 - Actis
https://www.act.is/2026/07/14/mgen-inaugurates-mterra-solar-phase-1/
