President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the inauguration of MTerra Solar Phase I, marking the operational launch of one of the Philippines’ largest renewable energy projects as the country accelerates its transition toward cleaner sources of electricity.

Developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), the project forms part of the broader MTerra Solar development, which is expected to deliver 3,500 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity and 4,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage by 2027.

The facility spans approximately 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan and represents an estimated ₱200-billion investment. This inauguration follows the project’s initial grid synchronization and energization earlier this year. As of early 2026, approximately 1,288 megawatts DC of solar capacity has been installed, with the facility beginning to supply around 85 megawatts of firm power to the Luzon grid.

Once completed, MTerra Solar is expected to become one of the world’s largest integrated solar-and-battery developments. The project forms part of the Philippines’ broader effort to increase renewable energy’s share of the country’s power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

In addition to utility-scale solar generation, the development incorporates one of the country’s largest battery energy storage systems, designed to improve grid stability by storing electricity generated during daylight hours for use when demand increases or solar production declines. It initially connects to the 500-kilovolt Nagsaag-San Jose transmission line, allowing electricity generated in Central Luzon to be delivered into the national grid.

Scale and Expected Impact

Upon full completion in 2027, MTerra Solar is projected to generate enough electricity to supply approximately 2.4 million households.

Project developers estimate the facility could also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 4.3 million metric tons annually, an amount they compare to removing roughly three million gasoline-powered vehicles from the road each year.

Beyond electricity generation, the project is expected to support the country’s long-term energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels while increasing the share of domestically generated renewable power.

Part of a Broader Renewable Energy Program

MTerra Solar is among the flagship projects supporting the government’s renewable energy agenda, alongside initiatives such as the Green Energy Auction Program and continuing investments in transmission infrastructure intended to accommodate larger volumes of renewable generation.

The project is being developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc. in partnership with Actis and SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), part of the Pangilinan Group.

Development Continues

While Phase I has entered commercial operation, construction of the remaining solar capacity and battery storage system continues, with full completion targeted for 2027.

As the project expands, its long-term performance will depend on continued transmission upgrades, successful integration with the national grid, and the phased deployment of its battery storage facilities, which are intended to improve the reliability and dispatchability of renewable energy at utility scale.

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