World’s largest solar project breaks ground in Luzon

Terra Solar Philippines Inc., Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), and SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC) on Thursday broke ground for the MTerra Solar Project, the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan led the groundbreaking ceremony, joined by officials from Meralco, MGen, SPNEC, and Actis.

“Today we take a leap toward the future driven by innovation and sustained by our collective hope for a cleaner and greener Philippines,” Marcos said. “We stand together at the site of what will become the largest integrated solar and battery storage facility in the world — the Terra Solar Project. This landmark project will put our country on the map as a leader in renewable energy.”

The $4 billion project, spanning 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, will feature 3,500 megawatts peak (MWp) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity and a 4,500 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS).

Upon completion, MTerra Solar is expected to supply clean energy to approximately 2.4 million households and avoid carbon emissions by an estimated 4.3 million tons annually.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla commended TSPI and its partner, Actis, for their commitment to the energy sector. “This major investment in solar and energy storage technology is a crucial step toward achieving our goal of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix,” Lotilla said.

Meralco, the country’s largest power distribution utility, continues to lead in renewable energy development. Through its subsidiaries, MGen and MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen), the company aims to diversify the Philippines’ clean energy supply.

The MTerra Solar Project is set to deliver clean solar energy under a 20-year, 850 MW mid-merit power supply agreement to Meralco.

“We are making a statement today that the Philippines is not only keeping pace with the global energy transition but more so express our intention to lead the migration from thermal to renewables,” Pangilinan said.