By Tracy Cabrera
MALACAÑAN, Manila — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inaugurated in Nueva Ecija the first phase of the 3,500-hectare MTerra Solar Project that is expected to deliver power to the Luzon grid by September.
Touted as the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, MTerra, is located in the municipalities of Gapan, General Tinio, Peñaranda and San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija and San Miguel in Bulacan.
Upon completion, the facility will have a total 3,500 megawatt peak (MWp) capacity and a 4,500 megawatt-hour (MWHr) battery energy storage system (BESS) and will supply clean energy to approximately 2.4 million households and avoid carbon emissions by an estimated 4.3 million tons annually.
Based on data from the facility’s developer Terra Solar Philippines, website, Phase 1 of the project will involve 2,500 MWp of capacity and 3,300 MWhr of battery energy storage over approximately 2,500 hectares. This is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Phase 2, involving 1,000 MWp plus 1,200 MWhr battery energy storage system (BESS) over some 1,000 hectares, is targeted for completion in the middle of next year.
During the inauguration, President Marcos Jr. cited that “the MTerra Solar Project comes at a time when the need to boost (the country’s) energy sector has never been more apparent.”
He added that “upon completion of both phases, the facility will be capable of delivering up to 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to the grid (while being) supported by 4,500 megawatt-hour of battery storage capacity.”
“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,” he noted.
