Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its affiliate Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (MTerra Solar), has completed the initial grid synchronization and energization of the MTerra Solar project, marking a key milestone in confirming the system’s readiness and safe connection to the Luzon grid.
The milestone was commemorated during the event titled “The First Spark: MTerra Solar Phase 1 Initial Grid Synchronization and Energization,” held on 12 February in Gapan. The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and project partner Actis.
According to MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan, the milestone confirms that the project is progressing in line with its operational and safety objectives while demonstrating the ability to deliver large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
The development follows the successful energization and cut-in of the project’s 500-kV substation along the Nagsaag–San Jose 500‑kV Line 2, a critical component supporting grid integration. As of the end of January 2026, Phase 1 of the project has installed 1,288 MWdc of solar photovoltaic capacity, making it the largest solar installation currently in operation in the Philippines. In parallel, 622 battery energy storage system units have been deployed, which are expected to form the country’s largest battery storage installation once fully operational.
Following the initial grid synchronization, the project aims to bring 250 MWac of solar capacity and 112.5 MWh of battery energy storage online by the end of February 2026. During this phase, the facility is expected to begin exporting approximately 85 MW of consistent power to the grid in coordination with NGCP, demonstrating the stability and reliability of its integrated solar and energy storage system.
The project is being delivered within a compressed timeline, with these milestones achieved in less than 15 months since groundbreaking.
The development is expected to support MGEN’s obligations under its power supply agreement with utilities while contributing to the Philippines’ broader strategy to enhance energy security and accelerate renewable energy integration into the national grid.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the initial grid synchronization represents an important step in strengthening the country’s renewable energy pipeline, adding that once completed the plant could supply electricity equivalent to around 10% of the power demand in Luzon.
DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara also noted that the energization process is a critical step toward enabling the project to begin exporting power to the grid, highlighting the role of integrated solar and battery storage in meeting peak electricity demand.
Meanwhile, Barry Lynch, Managing Director and Head of Operations for Energy Infrastructure at Actis, said the project has drawn significant attention from the global energy sector due to its scale and innovative design.
The project continues to be coordinated closely with NGCP to ensure smooth integration into the national transmission network while maintaining grid stability as renewable capacity expands.
According to NGCP Head of Transmission Planning Redi Allan Remoroza, the energization milestone establishes the transmission interface necessary for one of the country’s largest clean energy developments.
MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said the milestone marks the beginning of a broader phased development, noting that the project demonstrates the Philippines’ ability to deploy large-scale renewable infrastructure within tight timelines.
Construction of Phase 2 has also commenced, marked by the installation of the project’s first pile. Once fully completed, the MTerra Solar facility is expected to become the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage project, supporting the Philippines’ renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
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