World’s largest solar farm rises in NEcija
By Catherine S. Valente and Ed Paolo Salting – November 22, 2024
from The Manila Times
(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the groundbreaking of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project, considered the largest integrated solar and battery storage facility in the world.
In his speech in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, Marcos said the landmark project would “put our country on the map as a leader in renewable energy.”
“With an investment of over P200 billion, this demonstrates confidence of the stakeholders in our nation’s potential and our commitment to securing a stable, steady, reliable, and sustainable power supply,” Marcos said.
The president highlighted the importance of the solar project expected to power over 2 million households and reduce carbon emissions significantly once fully operational in three years.
POWER FROM THE SUN President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the groundbreaking ceremony of Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, on Nov. 21, 2024.
PHOTO FROM PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
He said it would also address the growing demand for electricity and the Philippines’ urgent need to transition to sustainable energy.
“Once fully operational by 2027, this facility will deliver 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to the Luzon grid, with 4,500 megawatt-hour battery energy storage,” Marcos said.
“This project will energize over 2 million households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 4.3 million metric tons annually. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to removing 3 million gasoline-powered cars from our roads — decisive action towards helping address global warming and climate change,” he added.
The project spans 3,500 hectares in five towns across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Initially, it will be connected to the existing 500-kiloVolt (kV) Nagsaag-San Jose Transmission Line and later linked to the upcoming 500-kV Nagsaag-Marilao Transmission Line. With an initial estimated cost of P200 billion, the facility will have a 3,500-megawatt peak photovoltaic capacity, which will be complemented by a 4,500 megawatt-hours battery energy storage system (BESS).
The MTerra Solar Project will be constructed in phases and the first phase will cover an initial capacity of 2,500 MW.
Aside from benefiting local residents, the project is expected to create over 10,000 job opportunities, boost local economies, and open doors for growth and development in the country, Marcos said.
“Over the next decade, it is poised to generate nearly P23 billion in financial benefits — resources that will pave the way for even greater progress. The impact and advancements of this project are amongst those that we envisioned when I spoke about energy in my recent State of the Nation Address,” the president said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the groundbreaking of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project in Nueva Ecija on Nov. 21, 2024.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
“We are working towards a steady and reliable power supply that will meet the demands of today and continuously fuel our ambitions for tomorrow. Projects like Terra Solar bring us closer to that vision,” he added.
Marcos called on government agencies and private sector partners to ensure the timely completion of the project and replicate similar efforts in renewable energy project initiatives nationwide.
“From powering our homes and industries to illuminating our collective aspirations, let this serve as a reminder: When we come together — united in purpose and action — there is no task too daunting, no challenge too great, and no goal beyond our reach,” the president said.
“The strong typhoons that we have been experiencing should further strengthen our resolve to find and facilitate solutions that will save our planet and the future of mankind,” he said.
Marcos also expressed his gratitude to Meralco, Terra Solar Philippines Inc., Solar Philippines New Energy Corp., MGen Renewable Energy Inc., and other partners involved in the project, recognizing their efforts in positioning the Philippines as a key player in the global energy revolution.
“We congratulate all of those who put the project together. And we will be watching it and doing all that we can to help it along to make sure that it is a success,” Marcos said.
“Let us ensure that Terra Solar becomes a beacon of hope and progress — a testament to what we can achieve when we protect and preserve our natural resources, while drawing strength from its abundance,” he added.
Meralco Chairman and CEO Manny Pangilinan said the solar project highlighted the Philippines’ bid to take the lead in renewable energy.
“Numbers alone fail to articulate the full significance of this project. We are making a statement today that the Philippines is not only keeping pace with the global energy transition but more so expressing our intention, the Philippines’ intention, to lead the migration from thermal to renewables,” Pangilinan said.
The Department of Energy (DOE) said once completed, the project will become the world’s largest single-site solar and BESS facility, and will become a transformative moment in the country’s energy landscape.
“This major investment in solar and energy storage technology is a crucial step toward achieving our goal of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix, reducing our carbon footprint and addressing electricity demand in Luzon,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.
“It not only enhances our energy security and resilience but will also contribute to our broader economic development by creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth,” he added.
