MGEN, VITRO REIT to study power-integrated data centers

PASIG CITY — Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) and VITRO REIT Inc. (VITRO), a subsidiary of ePLDT within the PLDT Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint feasibility study and development of a sustainable, power-enabled digital infrastructure proposition in the Philippines. The agreement was signed on Sept. 30.

The partnership puts electricity at the center of the country’s data center push. These facilities draw heavy, round-the-clock loads, so where they get their power affects grid reliability, power costs, and whether new capacity comes from clean or fossil sources. However, the MOU is a framework for study and does not yet commit either company to a site, a capacity, or an investment amount.

The collaboration combines MGEN’s expertise in power generation and supply, including renewable energy, with VITRO’s capabilities in data center development, operations, connectivity, and engagement with hyperscalers and other prospective locators.

“This collaboration reflects the growing convergence between the energy and digital infrastructure sectors. Power is increasingly becoming a critical factor in where and how data centers are developed. By bringing together our respective capabilities, we can explore solutions on how reliable, cost-competitive, and sustainable power can be integrated into the development of digital infrastructure,” MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

Under the MOU, MGEN and VITRO will conduct joint technical and commercial studies to assess potential sites, power generation capacity, renewable energy resources, connectivity requirements, data center specifications, and commercial structures.

MGEN will identify potential sites for data center developments integrated with power generation facilities and evaluate potential power supply arrangements.

VITRO will lead data center design and site studies, connectivity planning, and engagement with prospective hyperscalers and other locators.

The MOU provides a framework for the parties’ joint feasibility study and development of a sustainable, power-enabled digital infrastructure proposition in the Philippines.

VITRO REIT Inc. President and CEO Victor S. Genuino said the collaboration provides an opportunity to create a more integrated proposition for prospective data center locators.

“Improving the cost and reliability of power is one of the key objectives of this collaboration, as energy remains a decisive factor in attracting hyperscale and AI investments to the country. VITRO is committed to working closely with the energy sector to help secure ample, stable, sustainable, and affordable energy for the digital infrastructure that supports the Philippines’ digital economy,” Genuino said.

The collaboration underscores the importance of integrating power and connectivity considerations into data center site selection as the Philippines aims to respond to the growing demand for digital and high-density computing infrastructure.

Same group, two sectors

Both companies belong to the Pangilinan-led group of companies. MGEN is the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., and Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc.

VITRO operates 11 data centers nationwide with a combined capacity of nearly 100 megawatts (MW), according to MGEN.

In June, VITRO filed for what could become the country’s first digital infrastructure real estate investment trust (REIT), seeking to raise up to PHP 24.2 billion through an IPO. The proposed REIT will be backed by eight data center assets with a combined capacity of 27 MW.

PLDT has targeted an October listing for VITRO REIT.

On the power side, MGEN, through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), energized the first 250 MW of its solar capacity and began contributing to the national grid in March 2026.

MGEN has said it aims to double its capacity to more than 10,000 MW by 2030.

The government has also been positioning the Philippines as a data center hub.

The partnership signing between Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) and VITRO REIT, Inc. brings together expertise in power generation, data center development, and connectivity to support the country’s growing digital infrastructure needs.