MTerra Solar starts operations

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) has announced that its MTerra Solar Phase 1 project has started commercial operation and is now delivering 600 megawatts of alternating current (MWac) of mid-merit capacity.

This came after the facility secured its Final Certificate of Approval to Connect (FCATC) from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) last Aug. 26.

The green light was issued after the solar project passed all requirements to safely and reliably connect and operate 950 MWac of solar capacity and an 825 MW battery energy storage system within the national grid.

Under an existing power supply agreement, the solar project’s initial capacity is currently being supplied to the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

“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,” Meralco and MGEN Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

Phase 1 of the solar project was inaugurated on July 14, which marked the energization of 1,373 MWac of solar PV capacity and an 825 MW (equivalent to 3,300 MWh) battery energy storage system.

MGen Renewables and MTerra Solar President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Jordan said the solar project “is proof that renewable energy can be developed at an 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 —most especially Actis— and our strong partnership with NGCP under the guidance and support of our regulators, the DOE (Department of Energy) and the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission),” he said.

“The close coordination among the agencies, system operator, and project teams was critical in delivering this remarkable achievement.” (PNA)