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Manila Electric Company’s (MERALCO) energy subsidiary has begun constructing what is set to be the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
Developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (TSPI) under SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), the MTerra Solar Project aims to supply clean power to 2.4 million homes by 2027. This P200-billion renewable energy venture will span 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, covering Gapan, General Tinio, Peñaranda, San Leonardo, and San Miguel.
The project will have five million solar panels with a 3,500-megawatt (MW) peak capacity, a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery storage system, and 13 kilometers of 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines to support the Luzon grid.
The MTerra Solar Project will first connect to the existing 500-kV Nagsaag-San Jose line before linking to the future Nagsaag-Marilao line. A 13-kilometer transmission line will be integrated into the National Grid Corporation (NGC).
(Also read: 2-GW Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte Set for 2030 Completion)
Expected benefits
“By leveraging our abundant solar resources, the MTerra Solar Project will help stabilize our power supply, reduce energy costs, and contribute significantly to our target of 35% renewable energy share in the power generation mix by the year 2030,” President Marcos Jr. stated at the launch event.
The Department of Energy estimates that the solar project will produce more than five billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, enhancing Luzon’s energy supply.
Upon completion, the facility is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 4.3 million tons each year, comparable to taking over 3 million gasoline cars off the roads annually.
The project will provide notable economic benefits, generating around 10,000 jobs during construction and contributing an estimated P23 billion to the community over the next ten years through taxes and economic growth.
(Also read: Smart Power Metering System Debuts in Ilocos Norte)
Strategic partnerships
Meralco is leading the project alongside its subsidiaries, SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), and UK-based multinational investor Actis. SPNEC and Actis have formed a partnership, with Actis investing $600 million, securing a 40% stake in TSPI. This deal marks the largest foreign investment in a new development project in the country.
Meanwhile, the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the project’s west side has been granted to China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China).
According to a statement released by Meralco, “Energy China and its affiliates will oversee all aspects, including procurement, design, engineering, permitting, manufacturing, testing, logistics, and on-site delivery, ensuring the project is executed efficiently and comprehensively.”
The China-based team will also create tailored training programs for Philippine units and work closely with stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of the project into the national grid, including the implementation of the battery energy storage system (BESS).
Sources:
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2007849/p200-b-ph-solar-facility-breaks-ground-in-n-ecija
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/12/04/meralco-unveils-the-worlds-largest-solar-battery-facility