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Published in: Solar, Press Releases
Landmark energy project completed, marking a major advance for Philippine energy security and clean energy transition
Pasig City, Philippines – 03 September 2026 — MTerra Solar Phase 1 has officially declared commercial operations for 600MWac mid-merit capacity under its Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Meralco, marking a major milestone for one of the world’s largest and most important energy infrastructure projects.
The declaration of commercial operations beginning on 26 August 2026 follows from the issuance of the Final Certificate of Approval to Connect (FCATC) by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), confirming that the facility has met the necessary requirements to safely and reliably connect and operate 950 MWac of solar capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage system within the national grid. The teams successfully carried out the required tests in the past weeks, paving the way for the project’s grid approval and Phase 1 commercial operations.
“This is a significant step toward the future of energy in the Philippines. By combining solar power with battery storage at an unprecedented scale, we’re demonstrating how renewable energy can strengthen energy security, support economic growth, and build a more resilient and sustainable power system for our country,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Meralco and Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN).
From landmark construction to commercial service
The start of commercial operations follows the inauguration of MTerra Solar Phase 1 on 14 July 2026, which celebrated the energization of 1,373 MWac of solar PV capacity and 825 MW (equivalent to 3,300 MWh) of battery energy storage system, making it at that time, the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility on a single site.
The facility’s Phase 1 progression from groundbreaking in November 2024 to the inauguration in July 2026, and now to its commercial operations, spanning less than two years, represents one of the most significant renewable energy achievements in the country. Another 250MWac capacity to be fulfilled under the same PSA is set to be brought into commercial operations in the upcoming months.
“MTerra Solar is proof that renewable energy can be developed at unprecedented scale while meeting the rigorous requirements necessary to operate safely and reliably within the grid. The issuance of the FCATC reflects the hard work of our people, the trust of our investors most especially Actis, and our strong partnership with NGCP under the guidance and support of our regulators –the DOE and the ERC. The close coordination among the agencies, system operator, and project teams was critical in delivering this remarkable achievement,” said Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar.
MTerra Solar, a joint investment of MGEN and Actis, combines vast solar generation capacity with the world’s largest battery energy storage system. Unlike a conventional solar facility, MTerra Solar can store a significant portion of the electricity it produces. This enables the project to provide more consistent and dependable power while helping support the stability of the national grid, making it possible for large scale renewable energy to meet the Philippines’ growing demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
“MTerra Solar is no longer simply a vision or a project under construction—it is now delivering power to the Filipino people. Reaching commercial operations reflects the determination, discipline, and exceptional work of thousands of people who helped bring this landmark facility to life. It also demonstrates what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together toward a shared national purpose,” Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of MGEN, shared.
“Given the scale of the project, taking it from groundbreaking to commercial power for Phase 1 in under two years is a huge achievement and testament to the operational capabilities of MGEN and Actis. With MTerra Solar’s commercial operations underway, we see renewables increasingly taking centre stage in the Philippines, providing clean, domestic, and secure power as energy demand rises,” said Rahul Agrawal, Managing Director and Head of SEA Energy, Actis.
Powering a more sustainable future
MTerra Solar forms a key part of MGEN’s growing renewable energy portfolio and its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ energy transition. The project is expected to deliver 3,500 MWp of solar PV capacity paired with 4,500 MWh of BESS, further strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity. Actis, a leading growth market infrastructure investor,, has worked together with MGEN, to jointly develop MTerra Solar. The US$600 million investment made by Actis represents the Philippines’ largest foreign direct investment for a greenfield infrastructure project to date.
Its scale will make it a cornerstone of MGEN’s renewable energy portfolio and a major contributor to the Philippines’ transition toward a cleaner and more secure energy future.
As one of the country’s largest private infrastructure investments, MTerra Solar supports the Philippine Energy Plan and the government’s goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the country’s power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
More than a renewable energy project, MTerra Solar represents the scale of investment and innovation required to power the country’s continued economic development. The start of its commercial operations brings the Philippines closer to an energy system that is more diversified, resilient, sustainable, and prepared for the future.
About Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar)
Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar) is developing the MTerra Solar Project, set to become the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility. MTerra Solar is a joint investment between MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc. through its subsidiary SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC) and Actis. Spanning five municipalities across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, the project will generate 3,500 MWp of solar power complemented by a 4,500 MWhr battery energy storage system.
The project will be developed in two phases with first phase expected to be completed in 2026, and the second phase a year after. The project is expected to supply clean energy to approximately 2.4 million households. Beyond power generation, it will also contribute to carbon reduction by avoiding 4.3 million tons of emissions annually.
About Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) is shaping the future of energy with a growing portfolio of diversified energy solutions across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. From thermal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to solar and battery energy storage — with nuclear energy among the technologies being explored for the future — it is delivering reliable power to drive progress across industries, communities, and economies. In addition to its generation portfolio, MGEN also has a retail electricity supplier company that provides tailored energy solutions for qualified contestable customers.
MGEN operates through key subsidiaries, MGEN Thermal Energy, Inc. (MGEN Thermal) and MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGEN Renewables). The company also has investments in LNG-to-power facilities in the Philippines through Chromite Gas Holdings, Inc. (CGHI) which holds a majority stake in LNGPH – an integrated LNG facility in Batangas; and in Singapore through PacificLight Power (PLP) Pte. Ltd. In addition, MGEN has interests in SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC) — a publicly listed renewable energy company.
As of July 2026, MGEN’s portfolio represents a combined net saleable capacity of 5,069.7 megawatts (MW) from both traditional and renewable sources, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a capacity of 56.4 MWh.
With a mission of powering a better tomorrow, MGEN anchors all its efforts in addressing the energy trilemma. Guided by this purpose, the company envisions to be the leader in the Philippines’ transition to a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future, while fueling economic growth by meeting the region’s energy requirements. To know more about MGEN and its subsidiaries, please visit mgen.com.ph and follow us on LinkedIn.
Contact:
JACQUELINE GOROSPE
Corporate Communications and Branding Head
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)
Atty. CHRISTER A. GAUDIANO
Sustainability, Communications, & External Affairs Head
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)
