MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has inaugurated its 19.8-megawatt (MWac) solar power plant in Barangay Pesa, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. This is the first project in the second Green Energy Auction (GEA 2) program for renewable energy of the Department of Energy (DOE) to be completed ahead of schedule – at least six months before its original completion. This milestone highlights MGEN’s commitment to accelerating the country’s clean energy transition and expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
MGreen Bongabon Solar is estimated to provide power supply to the growing energy requirements of at least 20,000 households and establishments. The new solar facility supports the DOE’s goal of increasing the renewable energy share in the country’s power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The facility also strengthens MGEN’s goal to develop up to 1,500 MW of attributable renewable energy capacity by 2030, reinforcing its role in delivering a greener and more reliable energy future for Filipinos.
“More than just a solar power plant, MGreen Bongabon Solar is about creating opportunities, reducing our carbon footprint, and setting a new standard for renewable energy initiatives in our country.” said Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of MGreen. MGreen Bongabon Solar is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 19,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year which is equivalent to carbon sequestered of at least 211 tree seedlings grown for 10 years using the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
The local government of Bongabon welcomed this development, emphasizing its positive impact on their constituents. Bongabon Mayor Ricardo Padilla expressed his gratitude for the initiative, saying “nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo dahil ang mga taga Pesa ay magkakaroon ng mga trabaho. Iyon ang mahalaga sa amin.” (We are thankful to all of you because our people in Brgy. Pesa will have employment opportunities, and this is important for us). Just like the other energy projects of MGEN, it is a priority to hire qualified and skilled residents in the area to ensure that the economic benefits of the project are felt by the impact communities where it operates.
Aside from local government officials of Bongabon, national government officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), were also present during the inauguration. Representatives from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) were likewise in attendance to ensure that the project is connected to the grid to deliver electricity safely and reliably. DOE Assistant Secretary
Mario Marasigan highlighted project’s long-term impact on the host community, stating that “[the local barangay] will be getting most of the benefits of this project.” He also emphasized the significance of sustaining renewable energy initiatives, adding, “we want to make sure that the project you have installed will continue for at least the next 20 years.”
Edward Neri, Solar Energy Management Group OIC Chief of the DOE, underscored the project’s alignment to the country’s energy goals, saying, “we acknowledge the role of this facility in fostering energy independence and reducing our carbon footprint.” ERC Director Sharon Montañer echoed this, adding “the Bongabon Solar project is an example of how private sector initiatives align with the GEA program providing the much-needed boost of our country’s clean energy capacity.”
With the successful energization of its solar power plant in Bongabon, MGreen continues to drive the expansion of the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity. This milestone is part of a broader commitment to integrating cleaner energy solutions, reinforcing the nation’s transition toward a more sustainable and energy-secure future. In 2025, MGreen is set to add an additional 85.2 MWac of solar capacity to its growing portfolio. Following Bongabon, it looks forward to inaugurating a new solar plant in Cordon, Isabela, and the expansion of an existing solar facility in Baras, Rizal—further strengthening its role in powering the country’s clean energy future. It also looks forward to completing Phase 1 of the MTerra Solar project in Nueva Ecija by next year which is considered as the world’s largest integrated solar PV and batter energy storage system facility in the world.
About Meralco PowerGen (MGEN)
MGEN leads the Philippine energy transition, driving progress, and innovation. As the power generation arm of Meralco, MGEN delivers dependable, cost-competitive energy solutions that empower industries and communities, and contribute to a sustainable future. MGEN operates a diverse portfolio of power generation assets, integrating advanced technologies across various energy sources. Its subsidiaries include Global Business Power (MThermal), MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), and MGEN Gas Energy Holdings, Inc. (MNatural Gas). Additionally, MGEN holds strategic stakes in PacificLight Power (PLP), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Singapore, and SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), a renewable energy company. MGEN has recently invested in an integrated LNG facility in Batangas which is the biggest and most expansive LNG facility in the Philippines. As of December 2024, MGEN’s portfolio boasts a combined gross capacity of 2,602 MW from both traditional and renewable energy sources, reinforcing its commitment to a reliable and sustainable energy future.
About MGEN Renewables Inc. (MGreen)
MGreen is the renewable energy arm of MGEN dedicated to investing in and developing clean and sustainable energy projects. As a key driver of MGEN’s strategy, MGreen plays a vital role in achieving a balanced power generation portfolio and advancing the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Currently, MGreen has a gross generating capacity of 344.46 MW of pure renewable energy. It also holds a stake in SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), which has a controlling interest in Terra Solar Philippines, Inc.— the company developing MTerra Solar in Nueva Ecija. Once completed, MTerra Solar will be the largest integrated solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Philippines, with a capacity of 3,500 MWp solar energy and a 4,500 MWac battery.