TERRA Solar Phase 1 has started commercial operations for its 600 megawatt alternating current (MWac) mid-merit capacity under a power supply agreement (PSA) with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
The declaration of commercial operations beginning August 26 follows from the issuance of the ‘Final Certificate of Approval to Connect’ by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP). The certificate confirms that the facility has met the necessary requirements to safely and reliably connect and operate 950 MWac of solar capacity and 825 MW of battery energy storage system within the national grid. Over the past weeks, teams successfully carried out the required tests, paving the way for the project’s grid approval and Phase 1 commercial operations.
‘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,’ said Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Meralco and Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN).
The start of commercial operations follows the inauguration of MTerra Solar Phase 1 on July 14, which celebrated the energization of 1,373 MWac of solar PV capacity and 825 MW (equivalent to 3,300 MWh) of battery energy storage system, making it at that time, the world’s largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage facility on a single site.
The facility’s Phase 1 progression from groundbreaking in November 2024 to the inauguration in July 2026, and now to its commercial operations, spanning less than two years, represents one of the most significant renewable energy achievements in the country. Another 250MWac capacity to be fulfilled under the same PSA is set to be brought into commercial operations in the upcoming months.
‘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). The close coordination among the agencies, system operator, and project teams was critical in delivering this remarkable achievement,’ said Dennis B. Jordan, president and CEO of MGEN Renewables and MTerra Solar.
MTerra Solar forms a key part of MGEN’s growing renewable energy portfolio and its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ energy transition. The project is expected to deliver 3,500 MWp of solar PV capacity paired with 4,500 MWh of BESS, further strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Actis, a leading growth market infrastructure investor, has worked together with MGEN, to jointly develop MTerra Solar. The $600 million investment made by Actis represents the Philippines’ largest foreign direct investment for a greenfield infrastructure project to date.