Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) is moving forward with the development of Atimonan One Energy Inc.’s 1,200-megawatt ultra-supercritical pulverized coal-fired power plant.
This comes after the Department of Energy (DOE) reaffirmed the project is not covered by the 2020 coal moratorium policy.
MGEN said the Quezon power plant is part of its commitment to providing cost-effective and reliable power to meet Luzon’s growing energy demands.
“We welcome the DOE’s reaffirmation of the Atimonan Energy project’s non-coverage from the coal moratorium policy,” said Emmanuel Rubio, MGEN president and chief executive.
“As MGEN plays a key role in ensuring the country’s energy security and leading the energy transition, our investment in Atimonan will help address today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. We will employ advanced and efficient technologies to ensure our operations support economic and societal development — all while adhering to the company’s commitment to sustainability.”
With the DOE’s latest reaffirmation, Atimonan One Energy Inc. can proceed with processing the required permits through the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop System (EVOSS).
The Atimonan Energy power plant will be constructed using High Efficiency, Low Emission (HELE) technology, which uses high temperatures and pressures to maximize energy production while minimizing fuel consumption.
This technology is crucial for achieving lower carbon emissions from thermal plants, offering enhanced plant efficiency. HELE has been used worldwide and in other Asian countries, including South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and China.
The plant is expected to lower electricity costs by P12 billion annually and help provide efficient baseload power for the country.
Once completed, the thermal plant will ensure sufficient supply of reliable and affordable baseload energy for the Philippines.
It is projected to generate enough power for at least 5 million households (based on an average monthly consumption of 150 kWh) or the equivalent energy needs of approximately 1,000 hospitals.
The new power source will account for approximately 7 percent of Luzon’s total energy demand, playing a crucial role in bolstering the country’s energy security and ensuring a reliable power supply for the future.
The Atimonan plant is set to deliver significant benefits to the local community, with an estimated annual economic contribution exceeding 1 billion pesos. This includes revenue from real property taxes and funding for various community development initiatives.
During the construction phase, the project is expected to create up to 6,000 local jobs, with an additional 300 permanent positions once the plant is operational.
MGEN’s pursuit of the Atimonan Energy project builds on its track record of sustainable energy development.
The company is currently building the world’s largest integrated solar and battery energy storage facility through the MTerra Solar project, showcasing its commitment to accelerating renewable energy growth.
At the same time, MGEN is investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its domestic and international ventures, recognizing its role as a critical transition fuel that complements renewables while ensuring grid stability. These strategic initiatives underscore MGEN’s balanced and forward-looking approach to powering the country’s development.
MGEN operates a diverse portfolio of power generation assets equipped with advanced technologies. Its main subsidiaries include Global Business Power (MThermal), MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen) and MGEN Gas Energy Holdings Inc. (MNatural Gas).
It holds stakes in PacificLight Power (PLP), an LNG facility in Singapore, and SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), a renewable energy company.
MGEN has also invested a 40.2 percent stake in an integrated LNG facility in Batangas, Philippines. Across its portfolio, MGEN has a combined net sellable capacity of 5,068 MW from traditional and renewable sources as of July 2025.
