Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), completed the initial grid synchronisation and energisation of the MTerra Solar project. The goal was marked through “The First Spark: MTerra Solar Phase 1 Initial Grid Synchronisation and Energisation,” an event held on 12 February in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.
This development builds on MTerra Solar’s continued progress for its Phase 1, following the successful energisation and cut-in of its 500-kilovolt (kV) substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose 500-kV Line 2, a critical infrastructure component supporting the project’s grid integration.
MTerra Solar Targets To Complete 250 MWac solar & 112.5 MWh of BESS by end-Feb 2026
Phase 1 of MTerra Solar is progressing on schedule, with 1,288 MWdc of installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity as of end-January 2026, making it the largest solar installation in the Philippines to date. In parallel, 622 battery energy storage system (BESS) units have already been installed, which is also set to be the largest in the Philippines once fully operational.
Following the initial grid synchronisation and energisation milestone, MTerra Solar will have 250 MWac of solar capacity and 112.5 MWh of battery energy storage capacity targeted 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 MTerra Solar’s stability and reliability as an integrated renewable energy and energy storage system. This is in preparation for a ramp up in its capacity in the following months. All of these developments are being delivered in less than 15 months since groundbreaking.
These achievements reflect MTerra Solar’s steady momentum as it advances toward meeting Meralco’s energy requirements under its Power Supply Agreement (PSA), and contributing to the Philippines’ broader efforts to strengthen energy security while accelerating the responsible integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
Leadership View
In recognition of the project’s national significance, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin emphasised that MTerra Solar’s initial grid synchronisation represents a major step in strengthening the country’s renewable energy pipeline. She noted that developments of this scale are essential to supporting the Philippines’ long-term energy security and accelerating the country’s energy transition. “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.”
DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara likewise emphasised the significance of the switch-on as a key step in preparing MTerra Solar for power export and full synchronisation with the grid. She noted that the project reflects the kind of innovation and system readiness needed to support the country’s growing electricity demand, particularly during peak summer months. “Today’s switch-on initiates the energisation process that will enable MTerra Solar to begin exporting power to the grid. Once synchronisation 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.”
Actis also reaffirmed the global significance of the project, noting how MTerra Solar is gaining attention from the international energy community. Actis Managing Director, Head of Operations, Energy Infrastructure, Barry Lynch said, “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.”
MTerra Solar continues to work closely with the NGCP to ensure seamless integration with the grid. As a significant addition to the country’s expanding renewable energy capacity, the project is coordinated with NGCP to help maintain grid stability as more solar power comes online. Together, MGEN and NGCP are collaborating to ensure that the evolving energy mix delivers reliable and resilient power to Filipino consumers.
MTerra Solar’s Phase 2 construction has also begun, marked by the project’s first pile installation, as it continues to progress toward full completion. As development progresses through its phases, MTerra Solar is expected to become the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility once fully completed – reinforcing MGEN’s commitment to delivering cleaner and more reliable energy aligned with the Philippines’ renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
NGCP Head of Transmission Planning Redi Allan Remoroza also emphasised the critical role of this milestone: “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 recognises todays energisation as a key infrastructure readiness milestone.”
MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio emphasised that the milestone marks the beginning of a larger phased buildout. “MTerra Solar proves the Philippines can build big—and build fast. Today’s energisation 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,” Mr. Rubio said.
“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 & CEO Dennis B. Jordan shared.
