Philippines launches world's largest integrated solar project

The Philippines has taken a major step towards strengthening its renewable energy sector with the inauguration of Phase I of the MTerra Solar Project, a development expected to become the world's largest integrated solar and battery energy storage facility once fully completed in 2027.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the project demonstrates the government's determination to diversify the country's energy mix, improve energy security and reduce exposure to fluctuations in global fuel prices as electricity demand continues to grow.

Located across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, Phase I of the project is approximately 91 per cent complete and is expected to begin full commercial operations by August 2026. Construction of Phase II is already underway.

Upon completion, the facility will deliver up to 3,500 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar power supported by 4,500 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery energy storage, providing electricity to more than 2.4 million households while significantly improving grid stability.

The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 4.3 million metric tonnes annually and generate approximately US$394 million in economic benefits over the next decade through job creation, increased local government revenues and community development programmes.

The MTerra Solar Project forms part of a broader expansion of renewable energy under the Marcos administration. Since July 2022, the Philippine Department of Energy has awarded more than 600 renewable energy contracts and launched a 10 Year Green Energy Auction Programme that aims to deliver an additional 25 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity between 2027 and 2035. Installed battery energy storage capacity has also increased from 93 MW to 845 MW over the same period.

The government is also modernising the country's transmission infrastructure through its Smart and Green Grid Plan, allowing larger volumes of renewable electricity to be integrated into the national power network.

The development comes as ASEAN countries accelerate investment in renewable energy to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet climate commitments. Regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid are expected to play an increasingly important role in enabling cross border electricity trading and supporting a more resilient and interconnected energy system.

The Philippines has also been strengthening international partnerships to accelerate its energy transition. The country has expanded cooperation with development partners, multilateral institutions and private sector investors to attract financing, technology transfer and expertise for renewable energy projects. These collaborations complement ASEAN's broader efforts to build a more integrated, sustainable and resilient regional energy market capable of supporting future economic growth.

Developed by Meralco PowerGen through Terra Solar Philippines, the MTerra Solar Project demonstrates how governments, private investors and international engineering partners can collaborate on world class infrastructure that supports economic growth while advancing the transition to cleaner energy.

On a lighter note, President Marcos also took the opportunity to greet Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), who led the MTerra Solar Project through Meralco PowerGen (MGEN), on his 80th birthday. 

“You have officially made it into the Expanded Centenarians Act, which now I am happy to announce you will receive PhP 10,000 from the government. ,” the President quipped. “It is a simple but I hope meaningful token of appreciation for the invaluable contributions to our nation that you have made throughout the years.”

Source: Presidential Communications Office, Republic of the Philippines.