Meralco PowerGen Synchronises Phase 1 of 3.5 GW MTerra Solar-Plus-Storage Project

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), a subsidiary of Philippines-based utility Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has completed initial grid synchronisation and energisation for Phase 1 of the 3.5 GW MTerra solar project. The project also integrates a 4.5 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), positioning it among the largest solar plus storage developments globally.

As of the end of January 2026, Phase 1 had reached 1,288 MWdc of installed photovoltaic capacity, making it the largest solar installation currently operating in the Philippines. Alongside the solar deployment, 622 BESS units have been installed, setting the foundation for what is expected to become the country’s largest battery storage system once the project is fully completed.

Project Structure and Technology Deployment

The MTerra solar project is being developed by Terra Solar Philippines, a subsidiary involved in the initiative. The project is structured as a joint venture between renewable energy investor Actis and Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), which is part of the Meralco group.

Spanning more than 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan in Luzon, the project utilises bifacial n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) photovoltaic modules, enabling higher efficiency and improved energy yields.

Grid Integration Milestones

The latest energisation milestone follows the successful energisation and cut-in of MTerra’s 500kV substation on the Nagsaag-San Jose 500kV Line 2. This development represents a critical step in enabling grid connectivity and supporting large-scale renewable integration.

With Phase 1 now synchronised, the project is targeting 250MWac of solar capacity and 112.5MWh of storage to be operational by the end of February 2026. The facility is also expected to begin exporting 85MW of firm power to the grid in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), demonstrating the reliability of its integrated solar-plus-storage configuration ahead of further expansion.

Policy Significance and Energy Transition Impact

Sharon Garin, Secretary of Energy of the Philippines, said, “The initial grid synchronisation 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.”

The project is expected to play a major role in strengthening grid stability, supporting renewable integration, and improving energy resilience across the region.

Phase 2 Construction Underway

Construction of Phase 2 has already begun, marked by the installation of the first pile as the project progresses toward full build-out. Once completed, MTerra Solar is expected to significantly contribute to the Philippines’ national renewable energy targets of achieving a 35 percent share by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.