Manila: Power supply in Luzon is expected to be boosted by the eventual operation of the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Atimonan Energy Power Plant, which the Department of Energy (DOE) has reaffirmed to be excluded from the 2020 Coal Moratorium Policy. Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) President and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio welcomed DOE's decision to reaffirm the power plant's exclusion from the coal moratorium.

According to Philippines News Agency, MGEN plays a key role in ensuring the country's energy security and leading the energy transition. Emmanuel Rubio emphasized that their investment in Atimonan will help address current energy needs while preparing for future opportunities. He also stated that advanced and efficient technologies would be employed to ensure the operations support economic and societal development, aligning with the company's commitment to sustainability.

The project will be undertaken by MGEN's subsidiary, Atimonan One Energy. MGEN stated that the power plant would be constructed using high efficiency, lower emission technology, aimed to lower carbon emissions from thermal plants. The power is projected to cater to at least 5 million households, utilizing around 150 kWh on a monthly basis, and will account for about 7 percent of Luzon's total power demand.

Prior to its operation, the company anticipates the creation of about 6,000 jobs during the construction phase, with an additional 300 permanent positions once the plant starts official operation. The plant is also expected to enable the lowering of electricity costs by approximately PHP12 billion annually, achieving the objective of bringing efficient baseload power to the country.