In a major leap forward for renewable energy in Southeast Asia, Terra Solar Philippines has installed the first 778 MW of its ambitious solar-battery energy storage system (BESS) project located in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. This represents a critical step in what is poised to become one of the largest solar installations in the world.
Nueva Ecija Solar Project Reaches Milestone
Terra Solar Philippines Inc. has achieved a significant milestone by installing 778 megawatts (MW) of the initial 1,000 MW segment of its groundbreaking solar and battery project. This development is a core part of its power supply agreement to provide 850 MW of reliable mid-merit power to the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), helping to stabilize the grid during periods of peak demand.
The massive solar farm, spanning across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, is a cornerstone of the company’s renewable energy strategy. ACEN Corporation, a key partner in the venture, confirmed that Terra Solar is on track to energize the remaining 222 MW of this first phase by the fourth quarter of this year.
In a statement, ACEN Corporation noted, “With 778 MW of the 1,000 MW solar farm already installed, we anticipate energizing the remaining 222 MW in the fourth quarter of this year. This project is a key component of our commitment to provide 850 MW of mid-merit power to distribution company Meralco.”
Terra Solar’s World-Class BESS Project in Nueva Ecija
This project is far more than a standard solar farm; it is a US$3.4 billion mega-project set to redefine the scale of renewable energy in the region. The full scope aims for an astounding 3,500 MW of solar generation capacity coupled with 4,000-4,500 MWh of battery storage. Such a massive undertaking comes with a significant investment, and understanding the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown provides insight into the economics of such ventures.
The project site itself covers 3,500 hectares and will eventually feature over five million individual photovoltaic panels. The sheer volume of components highlights the complexity of the solar panel manufacturing process required to supply a development of this magnitude.
The integrated BESS is crucial for grid stability. It stores excess solar energy generated during the day and dispatches it when sunlight is unavailable, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply. Once fully completed, the Terra Solar farm is expected to surpass India’s Bhadla Solar Park and China’s Golmud Solar Park, making it one of the largest of its kind globally and a major contributor to the Philippines’ clean energy capacity.
Terra Solar Philippines Inc. is a strategic joint venture between ACEN Corporation and Solar Philippines, created to develop utility-scale solar and storage projects to address the Philippines’ escalating demand for clean energy.
ACEN’s Commitment to the Nueva Ecija Solar Project and Renewable Energy
ACEN Corporation, a parent company of the joint venture, continues to expand its own renewable energy footprint in the Philippines. The company has already installed 278 MW of solar and 248 MW of wind energy capacity nationwide. It is actively constructing an additional 373 MW of solar and 383 MW of wind projects, showcasing a deep commitment to diversifying the country’s energy mix. Sourcing the necessary solar panel raw materials for this diverse portfolio is a logistical feat in itself.
Further cementing its green ambitions, ACEN is also developing a 1,200 MW solar farm in Zambales, with the first 400 MW scheduled for completion by 2025. This project will eventually add another 1,000 MW of solar capacity and 500 MW of battery storage to the grid.
ACEN’s portfolio extends across the Asia Pacific, with a total of 4,200 MW of attributable renewable capacity. This includes 1,600 MW of solar, 1,700 MW of wind, 1,100 MW of battery storage, and 240 MW of geothermal energy.
Future Projects in the Nueva Ecija Solar Project Pipeline
Looking forward, ACEN has a development pipeline of approximately 17,000 MW of renewable energy projects. This impressive portfolio is dominated by 10,300 MW of solar projects, complemented by 4,900 MW of wind and 1,800 MW of energy storage. The development is planned in two major phases: the installation of 2,500 MW of solar panels by 2026, followed by an additional 1,000 MW by 2027. For those interested in the technical side, the basics of solar panel manufacturing offer a glimpse into how these powerful assets are created.
The successful completion of the Terra Solar farm in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan will not only fulfill a critical commitment to Meralco but also significantly enhance the stability of the Philippine power grid. This project stands as a powerful example of how integrated solar and battery storage can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable, and energy-secure future.
If you are inspired by these large-scale developments and want to deepen your own understanding of solar technology, consider enrolling in our free e-course to learn more about the world of photovoltaics.
