DOE clears MGen’s Atimonan coal plant to proceed

The Department of Energy (DOE) has reaffirmed that the 1,200-megawatt Atimonan Energy Power Plant in Quezon province is not covered by the government’s 2020 coal moratorium, clearing the way for Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen) to advance the project.

The DOE’s clarification confirms Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (AOE) as a committed energy project, enabling it to continue securing the remaining permits through the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) system.

The PHP 160-billion power facility will use ultra-supercritical High Efficiency, Low Emission (HELE) technology—an advanced coal generation method designed to reduce fuel use and carbon emissions while maximizing energy output.

HELE systems are widely used across Asia, particularly in countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia, as governments seek to balance energy reliability with emission reduction goals.

MGen said the Atimonan plant is projected to meet roughly 7 percent of Luzon’s total electricity demand and supply baseload power to approximately five million households—or the equivalent energy needs of 1,000 hospitals.

The company also estimates that the facility could help lower overall power costs by as much as PHP 12 billion annually once operational.

“We welcome the DOE’s reaffirmation of the Atimonan Energy project’s non-coverage from the coal moratorium policy,” said MGen President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio.

“Our investment in Atimonan will help address today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities,” he added.

Aside from helping secure grid stability, the Atimonan project is expected to boost the local economy, contributing more than PHP 1 billion annually to Quezon province through local sourcing and economic activity.

It will also create up to 6,000 jobs during construction and provide around 300 permanent roles once the plant is in operation.

In support of environmental sustainability, MGen has committed to deliver five million tree seedlings by 2035 to complement national reforestation programs.

The project adds to MGen’s expanding energy portfolio, which includes the MTerra solar-battery complex—touted as the world’s largest of its kind—and investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG).

With assets spanning both conventional and transitional energy technologies, MGen positions itself as a key player in managing the country’s evolving energy landscape.

The DOE’s original coal moratorium, announced in October 2020, prohibits the endorsement of new greenfield coal-fired power plants in line with the Philippines’ climate and energy transition goals.

However, the policy exempts already committed projects—those with existing approvals and financing agreements—such as the Atimonan plant.

Energy officials have maintained that committed projects are critical for maintaining energy security as the country transitions toward cleaner and more diverse energy sources.

The Atimonan facility, with its HELE technology and integration into the broader Luzon grid, represents one of the last coal-based power projects allowed under the current national energy policy framework.