MGEN partners with CATL, SUMEC for Cebu battery project

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its subsidiary Toledo Energy Development Corporation, has signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreement for a 49-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Toledo, Cebu.

The PHP 700 million project involves collaboration with Chinese firms Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) and SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd. (SUMEC).

Construction is set to begin in September, with the first 25 MW expected to come online by the second quarter of 2026.

Full operation of the 49-MW facility is targeted for 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

The initiative supports MGEN’s strategic efforts to enhance grid stability in the Visayas and contribute to the Philippines’ energy transition.

“Our signing marks another important step in our efforts to strengthen the country’s energy system,” said MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio.

“With CATL and SUMEC as our partners, the Toledo BESS project will take shape with the benefit of proven expertise and world-class technology,” he added.

“We are proud to collaborate with MGEN and SUMEC – both are leaders in the energy industry with proven track record in delivering reliable solutions in the region,” said Zhu Wei, Executive President of CATL.

“Together with forward-thinking partners, we are ready to shape and strengthen a robust green energy system in the Philippines and Southeast Asia,” he said.

SUMEC Philippines General Manager Lennon Zong underscored the project’s role in achieving sustainable energy goals.

“This energy storage project is not just another venture—it is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing clean energy in the Philippines,” Zong said.

“By integrating advanced storage technology, we are not only enhancing grid stability but also ensuring that renewable energy can be supplied reliably, day and night,” he added.

“This step is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and building a resilient energy future for this nation,” Zong said.

Once operational, the Toledo BESS will provide greater flexibility in dispatching renewable energy, improving the reliability of the Visayas grid.

The project also aligns with the Philippines’ broader goals for energy security, decarbonization, and sustainable infrastructure development.