MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has completed its 19.8-megawatt (MW) Bongabon Solar Power Plant in Nueva Ecija six months ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone in the Philippines’ shift toward clean energy.
The solar facility, located in Barangay Pesa, Bongabon, is the first project under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Green Energy Auction Program (GEA 2) to be completed early. It is expected to supply clean electricity to at least 20,000 households and establishments, helping the DOE meet its renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
MGreen President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan underscored the project’s broader impact, stating that “more than just a solar power plant, MGreen Bongabon Solar is about creating opportunities, reducing the carbon footprint, and setting a new standard for renewable energy initiatives in the country.”
The facility is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually, equivalent to the carbon absorption of 211,000 tree seedlings grown over a decade, based on estimates from the Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Beyond its environmental contributions, the solar project has generated economic opportunities for the Bongabon community. Local officials have welcomed the development, citing job creation as a significant benefit.
“We are thankful for this initiative as it will create jobs for the people of Barangay Pesa, which is crucial for the community,” Bongabon Mayor Ricardo Padilla said.
MGEN has prioritized hiring skilled local workers for its renewable energy projects to ensure direct economic benefits for host communities.
Government officials also acknowledged the long-term impact of renewable energy investments. DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan highlighted that local barangays would receive most of the benefits from the solar plant.
“We want to ensure that this project will continue to operate for at least the next 20 years,” Marasigan said.
Edward Neri, Officer-in-Charge of the DOE’s Solar Energy Management Group, said the project supports the country’s goal of energy independence, while Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Director Sharon Montañer emphasized how private-sector initiatives like this align with the government’s clean energy goals.
Renewable Energy Expansion
The successful completion of the Bongabon Solar Power Plant is part of MGreen’s larger renewable energy roadmap, which aims to develop up to 1,500 MW of attributable renewable capacity by 2030.
MGreen plans to add 85.2 MWac of solar capacity in 2025, including a new solar power plant in Cordon, Isabela, and an expansion of an existing facility in Baras, Rizal. The company is also preparing for the completion of Phase 1 of the MTerra Solar project in Nueva Ecija next year, which will feature one of the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems.
