MGen eyes Q1 2027 start for MTerra Solar Phase 2

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) is targeting the start of the second phase of its MTerra Solar project by the first quarter of 2027, as the company pushes ahead with what is billed as one of the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage developments.

MGen president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio told the Inquirer that the project’s first phase had already been completed, paving the way for the next stage of expansion.

“Phase One is done. And then maybe the second phase will be around the first quarter of 2027,” Rubio said.

He noted, however, that securing sufficient land remains a key requirement before construction can proceed.

“But again, you don’t start a project without land,” he added.

Phase Two of MTerra Solar is expected to add 1,000 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar power capacity to the project.

This development follows MGen’s announcement earlier this year that the project’s initial phase had successfully completed grid synchronization and energization, a critical milestone before electricity can be delivered to the power network.

The company previously said Phase One was progressing on schedule and was expected to begin exporting its full capacity to the grid by August.

Once completed, MTerra Solar will have 3,500 MW of generating capacity and 4,000 MW-hours of battery energy storage, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in the country.

The project is expected to generate enough electricity to supply around 2.4 million homes.

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The project forms part of MGen’s broader push into clean energy as the company expands its renewable energy portfolio amid rising electricity demand and the country’s transition toward more sustainable power sources.

Rubio’s latest timeline provides one of the clearest indications yet on when the next major tranche of capacity under MTerra Solar could begin moving forward, although the pace of development will still depend on the availability of land needed for the expansion.

MGen has emerged as a key growth engine for parent company Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, as the group deepens its presence in electricity generation.

Its portfolio spans solar, thermal and natural gas power assets.