The Philippines is strengthening its renewable energy push with the launch of the first phase of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project in Nueva Ecija, a large-scale solar and battery storage facility expected to help improve power supply stability and reduce dependence on traditional fuel sources.
The project, located in Gapan City, was inaugurated on Tuesday, July 14, as the country continues efforts to diversify its energy mix amid growing electricity demand and challenges brought by fluctuations in global fuel prices.
Phase I of the MTerra Solar Project has reached around 91 percent completion and is expected to begin full commercial operations by August 2026. Phase II, which started earlier this year, is targeted for completion in 2027.
Once fully completed, the integrated solar and battery storage facility is expected to deliver up to 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to the grid, supported by 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage.
The project is projected to provide electricity to more than 2.4 million Filipino households and reduce carbon emissions by about 4.3 million metric tons annually.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the development reflects the country’s efforts to turn its renewable energy plans into actual projects that can strengthen the power sector.
“Today, as we gather once again for the inauguration of Phase I, we demonstrate our will and determination to ensure that our plans are coming into fruition,” Marcos said.
“This achievement comes at a time when the need to boost our energy sector has never been more apparent,” he added.
The facility is also expected to generate economic benefits, including additional revenues for host communities, job opportunities, and an estimated P23 billion in financial benefits over the next decade.
The government said the project forms part of broader efforts to increase renewable energy investments and improve the country’s energy resilience.
From July 2022 to May 2026, the Department of Energy awarded 605 renewable energy contracts. The agency also launched the 10-Year Green Energy Auction Program, which aims to add 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity from 2027 to 2035.
The country’s installed energy storage capacity has also expanded from 93 megawatts in July 2022 to 845 megawatts as of May 2026, helping support the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
The government is likewise implementing the Smart and Green Grid Plan to modernize the transmission system and accommodate additional renewable energy sources.
The MTerra Solar Project is being developed by Meralco PowerGen (MGEN) and is considered the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility.
Energy officials said the project highlights the role of private sector investments in helping the Philippines transition toward cleaner and more reliable energy sources.
The government said continued expansion of renewable energy infrastructure is aimed at building a power system that can meet the needs of a growing economy while improving energy security for Filipino consumers.
Photo courtesy of The Manila Times
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