MTerra Solar to boost Philippine energy sector – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos yesterday inaugurated Phase I of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, touting it as the world’s largest operational integrated solar and battery storage facility on a single site.

In his speech, Marcos said the project is a major step toward strengthening the country’s renewable energy sector.

“This achievement comes at a time when the need to boost our energy sector has never been more apparent or more urgent. For years, our economy has relied heavily on conventional sources of power,” he said.

“Recognizing this challenge, this administration has worked closely with our partners to accelerate the development of new RE (renewable energy) facilities. This MTerra Solar Project stands as one of the clearest expressions of that commitment,” he added.

Developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., a joint investment between SP New Energy Corp. and Actis, the project will span five municipalities across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan upon completion.

Phase I has already energized 1,373 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic capacity and is expected to become fully commercially operational by August, while Phase II is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

Once completed, the facility will be capable of delivering up to 3,500 MW peak of solar power to the grid, supported by a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, enough to provide electricity to more than 2.4 million Filipino households.

“The MTerra Solar Project is proof that the Philippines is capable not only of envisioning world-class infrastructure but also delivering it,” Marcos said.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, reduce carbon emissions by around 4.3 million metric tons annually and generate nearly P23 billion in financial benefits over the next decade.

“These capabilities will help strengthen the stability of our power system while expanding the role of clean energy in our power generation mix. Equally important, its impact will be felt in the daily lives of our people,” Marcos said.

The President, during the event, highlighted the administration’s broader renewable energy initiatives, noting that the Department of Energy awarded 605 renewable energy contracts from July 2022 to May 2026.

Earlier this year, it launched the 10-Year Green Energy Auction Program, which seeks to deliver 25 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity from 2027 to 2035.

As of May, the country’s installed energy storage capacity had expanded from 93 MW in July 2022 to 845 MW.