President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inaugurated Phase I of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project, marking a historic milestone in the administration’s aggressive push to expand renewable energy and fortify the nation’s power grid.
Touted as the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, the project transitions from blueprint to reality less than two years after its initial groundbreaking.
In his keynote address, President Marcos Jr. emphasized that the project is a testament to the government’s resolve to convert long-term energy policies into tangible results, effectively reducing the Philippines’ vulnerability to volatile global fuel prices.
“Today, as we gather once again for the inauguration of Phase I, we demonstrate our will and determination to ensure that our plans are coming into fruition,” President Marcos said. “This achievement comes at a time when the need to boost our energy sector has never been more apparent.”
The MTerra Solar Project is being rolled out in two strategic phases, combining massive solar generation with cutting-edge battery storage capabilities:
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Phase I Status: Currently at 91% completion; projected to be fully commercially operational by August 2026.
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Phase II Status: Construction commenced early this year, with a targeted completion date in 2027.
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Total Combined Capacity: Once fully complete, the facility will deliver up to 3,500 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar power to the national grid, supported by 4,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage.
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Household Power & Environment: The fully operational project will power over 2.4 million Filipino households and displace approximately 4.3 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
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Economic Boost: The infrastructure is projected to generate nearly PhP 23 billion in financial benefits over the next decade, providing substantial tax revenues and direct financial assistance to host communities.
“These capabilities will help strengthen the stability of our power system while expanding the role of clean energy in our power generation mix. Equally importantly, its impact will be felt in the daily lives of our people,” the President noted, adding that the expansion will yield more jobs, stronger local government revenues, and sustained community development programs.
The Chief Executive framed the MTerra Solar Project as a cornerstone of a broader, macroeconomic transformation toward an energy sector that is resilient, competitive, and lock-stepped with a growing economy.
Highlighting the administration’s success in attracting renewable investments from July 2022 to May 2026, the President shared key national milestones spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE):
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605 renewable energy contracts awarded.
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The 10-Year Green Energy Auction Program launched, aiming to deliver 25 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable capacity from 2027 to 2035.
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Battery storage capacity expanded drastically from 93 megawatts (MW) in July 2022 to 845 MW as of May 2026.
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The Smart and Green Grid Plan initiated to modernize the country’s transmission network to handle the influx of clean energy.
President Marcos expressed deep gratitude to the private sector partners, host communities, and stakeholders for proving that the nation can execute monumental infrastructure. “Nawa’y magsilbing paalala ang proyektong ito na ang pag-unlad ay bunga ng pagtutulungan, pagkakaisa, at pagsisikap para sa kapakanan ng nakararami,” (May this project serve as a reminder that progress is the fruit of cooperation, unity, and effort for the welfare of the majority), he added.
The event concluded with a warm, lighthearted moment as President Marcos extended birthday wishes to tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), who championed the MTerra Solar Project through Meralco PowerGen (MGEN), on his 80th birthday.
“You have officially made it into the Expanded Centenarians Act, which now I am happy to announce you will receive PhP 10,000 from the government,” the President joked. “It is a simple but I hope meaningful token of appreciation for the invaluable contributions to our nation that you have made throughout the years.”
The President was joined at the inauguration by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and key provincial and local government officials.
