NGCP welcomes Terra Solar’s 2,500 MW to the grid

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) welcomed the entry of the Terra Solar Power Project, while cautioning that the large-scale integration of variable power sources must be carefully managed to protect grid stability.

In a statement on Wednesday, NGCP said Terra Solar’s 2,500-megawatt (MW) capacity supports national efforts to transition toward a cleaner energy mix.

The project is backed by a 1,125-MW battery energy storage system (Bess) capable of sustaining output for about four hours.

Still, NGCP warned that heavy reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar, could pose operational challenges.

These include fluctuations in system frequency and voltage, which, if left unmanaged, could lead to under-frequency load shedding or rotating power interruptions in some areas.

“Renewable energy initiatives such as the Terra Solar Power Project are welcome. Any new power source introduced into the system will help keep [the] supply stable,” NGCP said.

The grid operator stressed that both transmission-side and plant-side operational considerations must be addressed.

The firm also underscored the need for full compliance with facilities and requirements identified under system impact studies to mitigate the inherent variability of renewable energy generation.

Under its power supply agreement, Terra Solar will deliver 850 MW to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), mainly during daytime hours.

The remaining 1,650 MW will be injected into the grid through the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

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As a variable renewable energy source, the project will operate on a must-dispatch basis under Republic Act No. 9513. The law gives priority dispatch to renewable energy plants.

In response, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), the developer behind the Terra project, said it recognizes NGCP’s mandate to ensure grid stability as renewable energy penetration increases.

MGen said the project was designed as an integrated solar and battery facility, featuring a 4,500-megawatt-hour Bess. The latter is intended to manage variability and support system reliability through grid-forming capabilities.

The company added that the Terra project is being developed in close coordination with NGCP and in compliance with existing grid rules, with the shared goal of delivering reliable and cleaner power to consumers.