Manila: Commercial operations for Phase 1 of MTerra Solar have officially begun, enabling the facility to deliver 600 megawatts alternating current (MWac) of mid-merit capacity following approval from the national grid operator. Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) announced in a news release that commercial operations for the project, which is the world's largest operational integrated solar and battery facility, started on August 26.
According to Philippines News Agency, this milestone was achieved after the facility secured its Final Certificate of Approval to Connect (FCATC) from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the facility in July. MGen reported that the certificate was issued after the solar project met 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,' said Meralco and MGen Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan.
Phase 1 of the solar project was inaugurated on July 14, marking 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 stated that 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.'
Jordan also highlighted that '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 emphasized that 'the close coordination among the agencies, system operator, and project teams was critical in delivering this remarkable achievement.'
