The MTerra Solar project has officially commenced commercial operations, marking a pivotal advancement in the Philippines’ energy security and its transition to renewable energy. The project, which is part of Meralco PowerGen Corporation’s (MGEN) expanding renewable energy portfolio, has begun operations with a mid-merit capacity of 600 MWac under its Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Meralco.
On 26 August 2026, the declaration of commercial operations followed the issuance of the Final Certificate of Approval to Connect (FCATC) by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). This certification confirms that the facility has met all necessary requirements to safely and reliably connect and operate 950 MWac of solar capacity along with an 825 MW battery energy storage system within the national grid.
Significance of the Project
Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Meralco and MGEN, highlighted the importance of this project, stating, “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.”
The inauguration of MTerra Solar Phase 1 took place on 14 July 2026, celebrating the energization of 1,373 MWac of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity and 825 MW (equivalent to 3,300 MWh) of battery energy storage. This achievement positioned it as the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility on a single site at that time.
Project Timeline and Future Capacity
The journey of MTerra Solar from groundbreaking in November 2024 to its commercial operations in less than two years is a remarkable feat in the renewable energy sector. An additional 250 MWac capacity under the same PSA is expected to be operational in the coming months, further enhancing the project’s contribution to the national grid.
Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar, remarked, “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, especially Actis, and our strong partnership with NGCP under the guidance and support of our regulators—the DOE and the ERC.”
Innovative Energy Solutions
MTerra Solar is a joint investment between MGEN and Actis, combining extensive solar generation capacity with the world’s largest battery energy storage system. Unlike traditional solar facilities, MTerra Solar has the capability to store a significant portion of the electricity it generates. This feature allows the project to provide more consistent and reliable power, thereby supporting the stability of the national grid and meeting the Philippines’ increasing demand for dependable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO of MGEN, expressed pride in the project’s progress, stating, “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.” He further noted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in achieving such significant milestones.
Investment and Economic Impact
Actis, a prominent growth market infrastructure investor, has played a crucial role in the development of MTerra Solar, contributing a US$600 million investment. This investment is noted as the largest foreign direct investment for a greenfield infrastructure project in the Philippines to date. The scale of MTerra Solar is expected to make it a cornerstone of MGEN’s renewable energy portfolio and a substantial contributor to the country’s transition towards a cleaner and more secure energy future.
As one of the largest private infrastructure investments in the Philippines, MTerra Solar aligns with the Philippine Energy Plan and supports the government’s objective of increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The project is anticipated to deliver 3,500 MWp of solar PV capacity paired with 4,500 MWh of battery energy storage, significantly bolstering the nation’s renewable energy capacity.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future
MTerra Solar not only represents a significant renewable energy project but also embodies the scale of investment and innovation necessary to drive the Philippines’ continued economic development. The commencement of its commercial operations brings the nation closer to achieving an energy system that is more diversified, resilient, and sustainable, prepared to meet future energy demands.
The project includes a 500-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line that connects it to the Nagsaag-San Jose Transmission Line, further integrating it into the national grid and enhancing the overall energy infrastructure of the Philippines.
This article was submitted via the World of Renewables press desk.
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