Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), a subsidiary of the Philippines-based utility Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has completed the initial grid synchronisation and energisation of Phase 1 of the 3.5 GW MTerra solar project. The facility also integrates a 4.5 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), making it one of the largest solar-plus-storage developments globally.
As of January 2026, Phase 1 had installed 1,288 MWdc of photovoltaic capacity, making it the largest solar installation in the Philippines. Along with the solar panels, 622 BESS units have been put in place. When the project is finished, it will be the largest battery storage system in the country.
Project Structure and Technology
Terra Solar Philippines is in charge of the project, and it is a joint venture between Actis, an investor in renewable energy, and Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), a Meralco subsidiary. The facility covers more than 3,500 hectares in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan and uses bifacial n-type TOPCon photovoltaic modules to produce more energy and be more efficient.
Grid Integration Milestones
Phase 1’s energisation follows the successful cut-in of MTerra’s 500kV substation on the Nagsaag-San Jose 500kV Line 2, a critical step for grid connectivity and large-scale renewable integration.
With Phase 1 now synchronised, the project aims to have 250 MWac of solar capacity and 112.5 MWh of storage operational by February 2026, and begin exporting 85 MW of firm power to the grid in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Policy Significance and Energy Transition
Sharon Garin, Secretary of Energy, said, “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.”
The project is expected to strengthen grid stability, support renewable integration, and enhance energy resilience in the region.
Phase 2 Construction
Phase 2 construction has already begun, marked by the installation of the first pile. Once complete, MTerra Solar will play a major role in helping the Philippines achieve its renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
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