Key facts
- The Philippines inaugurated the first phase of the 3.5GWp MTerra solar project.
- Full commercial operations for the first phase are expected to commence in August.
- The project's second phase is slated for completion by 2027.
- The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by 4.3 million tonnes per year.
- The first phase comprises 2.5GWp capacity and a 3.3GWh battery energy storage system.
The Philippines has inaugurated the first phase of its 3.5GWp MTerra solar project, a significant development aimed at enhancing the nation's energy sector. President Ferdinand Marcos announced that full commercial operations for this initial phase are expected to commence in August, with the project's second phase slated for completion by 2027.
Once fully operational, the MTerra project is projected to cut approximately 4.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The first phase alone will contribute 2.5GWp of capacity and include a 3.3GWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The subsequent phase will add another 1GWp of capacity and 1.2GWh of storage.
Marcos highlighted the urgency of improving the Philippines' energy sector, which has historically relied on conventional sources, making it vulnerable to volatile fuel prices. This solar project is expected to bolster the country's renewable energy targets, aiming for a 35% share by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The government has already increased its total installed capacity for energy storage systems to 845MW as of May, up from 93MW in July 2022.
Data from IEMOP indicates that the Philippines' total energy generation was 117.9TWh in 2025, with coal dominating at 56%. Solar generation reached 4.81TWh in 2025, an increase from 3.7TWh in 2024, while hydro output rose to 11.9TWh from 9.53TWh. Philippine power company Meralco PowerGen also successfully exported 250MW from the MTerra solar farm to the grid in March, contributing to the country's Renewable Portfolio Standards program.