MTerra Solar Phase 1 energized, synchronized to Luzon grid

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has completed the initial grid synchronization and energization of the MTerra Solar project, a step the company said confirms system readiness and safe connection to the Luzon grid.

The milestone was marked through “The First Spark: MTerra Solar Phase 1 Initial Grid Synchronization and Energization,” an event held Feb. 12 in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, attended by government and industry stakeholders including the Department of Energy (DOE), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and project partner Actis.

“Today is an important moment because it tells us we are on the right track, not just in delivering scale, but in proving that we can operate this project safely and reliably. And after a milestone like this, the message is clear: anything is possible from hereon. We now move forward with confidence – continuing to expand capacity, push innovation, and deliver clean energy for Filipinos,” MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar President & Chief Executive Officer Dennis B. Jordan said.

The latest development follows the successful energization and cut-in of MTerra Solar’s 500-kilovolt (kV) substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose 500-kV Line 2, which the company described as a critical infrastructure component supporting the project’s grid integration.

Phase 1 is progressing on schedule, with 1,288 megawatts (MW) of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity as of end-January 2026, which MGEN said makes it the largest solar installation in the Philippines to date.

In parallel, 622 battery energy storage system (BESS) units have already been installed, which the company said will be the largest in the Philippines once fully operational.

Following the initial synchronization and energization milestone, MTerra Solar said it is targeting 250 MW alternating current of solar capacity and 112.5 MW hours of battery energy storage capacity to be ready by end-February 2026.

During this period, the project is set to begin exporting 85 MW of constant power to the grid in close coordination with NGCP, aiming to demonstrate stability and reliability as an integrated renewable energy and energy storage system.

The company said these developments are being delivered in less than 15 months since groundbreaking and are intended to support a ramp up in capacity in the following months.

MGEN said the progress supports MTerra Solar’s move toward meeting Meralco’s energy requirements under its Power Supply Agreement (PSA) and contributing to national efforts to strengthen energy security while accelerating the responsible integration of renewable energy into the grid.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said MTerra Solar’s initial grid synchronization is a major step in strengthening the country’s renewable energy pipeline and is essential to long-term energy security and the energy transition.

“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. This power plant alone – once completed – will be producing power for 10% of Luzon,” Garin said.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said the switch-on is a key step in preparing MTerra Solar for power export and full synchronization with the grid and reflects the innovation and system readiness needed to support growing electricity demand during peak summer months.

“Today’s switch-on initiates the energization process that will enable MTerra Solar to begin exporting power to the grid. Once synchronization is completed, the plant can begin supplying firm and dependable capacity through the combination of solar power and battery energy storage – another first for the country. Your commitment to adapting forward-looking solutions reflects the proactive leadership needed to meet the rising electricity demand, especially during summer months,” Guevara said.

Actis Managing Director and Head of Operations for Energy Infrastructure, Barry Lynch, said the project has drawn attention from the international energy community.

“No matter where I go in the world, everyone wants to talk about the MTerra Solar project – whether it’s in Brazil, India, or Japan. The whole energy industry globally is watching this project. We are very grateful to be part of the team that is delivering this,” Lynch said.

MTerra Solar said it is working closely with NGCP to ensure seamless integration with the grid and to help maintain stability as more solar power comes online.

The company said MGEN and NGCP are collaborating to ensure the evolving energy mix delivers reliable and resilient power to Filipino consumers.

“This is an important step in establishing the transmission interface for one of the country’s most significant clean energy projects. As the system operator and transmission network provider, NGCP recognizes today’s energization as a key infrastructure readiness milestone,” NGCP Head of Transmission Planning Redi Allan Remoroza said.

MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said the milestone marks the start of a larger phased buildout.

“MTerra Solar proves the Philippines can build big—and build fast. Today’s energization is not the finish line; it is the start of a bigger journey that will expand our capacity, broaden our impact, and demonstrate that the Philippines can lead in delivering renewable energy at scale,” Rubio said.

MTerra Solar said Phase 2 construction has begun, marked by the project’s first pile installation, as it continues to progress toward full completion.

Once fully completed, the project is expected to become the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility, MGEN said, aligning with the Philippines’ renewable energy targets of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.