MGEN Launches 100MW Fast Start Plant in Singapore

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) has energized a new 100-megawatt Fast Start Ancillary Services facility in Singapore, boosting the city-state’s grid stability and enhancing Meralco’s presence in Southeast Asia.

The facility, located on Jurong Island and operated by MGEN’s Singapore-based subsidiary PacificLight Power (PLP), became operational this June following the completion of construction.

“The 100MW Fast Start facility is completed and commissioned this month,” said Atty. Christer Gaudiano, MGEN’s Head of Sustainability, Communications, & External Affairs.

This new plant supplements PLP’s existing 830MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) capacity, enabling the Singapore grid to respond quickly to demand fluctuations or power interruptions.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to investing in high-efficiency, future-ready technologies that address both reliability and sustainability challenges,” said Emmanuel V. Rubio, MGEN President and CEO.

“Through PLP, we are proud to contribute to Singapore’s energy security while expanding our regional footprint with innovation at the core,” he added.

The facility uses Siemens Energy gas turbines, which are designed to activate rapidly during grid disturbances or emergency demand surges, reinforcing the island’s critical energy infrastructure.

The project recorded over 480,000 man-hours without a single loss-time injury, underlining a strong safety record during construction by Jurong Engineering Limited.

The commissioning of the Fast Start plant is aligned with Singapore’s ongoing efforts to modernize its power grid and integrate flexible, low-emission generation assets.

Looking ahead, PLP is preparing to build a 670MW hydrogen-ready CCGT plant, which will include Singapore’s first large-scale battery energy storage system.

The upcoming facility, scheduled for completion in January 2029, will play a major role in the country’s transition to a low-carbon energy mix.