MTerra Solar adds 250 MW to grid

Meralco PowerGen Corp., through affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc., said MTerra Solar has energized the first 250 megawatts of its solar capacity, allowing the facility to operate as a generator and begin supplying power to the grid.

The company said the milestone marks a critical phase in the project’s staged rollout and comes as volatility in global fuel markets, partly tied to tensions in the Middle East, sharpens the need for more domestic and renewable energy sources.

MGEN said the early delivery of capacity from MTerra Solar is meant to strengthen the country’s energy self-sufficiency and reduce exposure to imported fuel risks.

“Reaching this milestone reflects the strong execution, collaboration, and dedication of our teams and partners. More importantly, it underscores the role of projects like MTerra Solar in helping secure the country’s energy future at a time when reliability and affordability are under increasing pressure,” said MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan.

MTerra Solar was initially authorized to export up to 85 MW of firm power to the grid as part of testing and commissioning activities, according to MGEN.

With continued support from the Department of Energy and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the facility is now exporting up to 250 MW, adding capacity as the power system faces elevated demand, the company said.

During a previous MTerra Solar event, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized the project’s role in expanding the country’s renewable energy pipeline and addressing near-term supply needs, according to the company.

“The initial grid synchronization of MTerra Solar – led by MGEN and Actis – represents a meaningful step towards our transition to a cleaner and more energy-resilient Philippines. Developments of this scale are critical as we navigate current global uncertainties while ensuring long-term energy security,” Secretary Garin said.

“Beyond its contribution to the renewable energy transition, MTerra Solar plays an important role in supporting the country’s near-term energy requirements. The project’s phased energization enables earlier delivery of capacity to the grid, helping ease supply constraints and supporting efforts to maintain stable electricity prices amid evolving global conditions,” MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio shared.

MGEN also said MTerra Solar has energized the first tranche of its battery energy storage system.

Using energy generated from its solar output, the plant has delivered up to 450 MWh of electricity to the grid at night, and the company said this tranche is now the largest operational battery energy storage system in the Philippines.

The facility will still undergo a series of activities in the coming weeks to ensure the safe, efficient and reliable integration of battery storage with the solar plant, MGEN said.

Once fully operational, the integrated battery energy storage system is expected to improve grid stability and allow renewable energy to be dispatched beyond daylight hours, maximizing the value of solar generation.

MGEN said the project supports its strategy of building a diverse power portfolio that addresses the energy trilemma of sustainability, reliability and affordability.