MGen unit PLP gears up new Singapore capacity, hydrogen-ready plant by 2029
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), the power generation arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), announced that its subsidiary, PacificLight Power Ltd. (PLP), is on track to begin operations of its additional 100-megawatt Fast Start gas turbine capacity this quarter.
MGen stated that PLP is set to energize its additional 100 MW Fast Start unit by the second quarter of 2025. This expansion bolsters the existing 830 MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine facility.
Designed to address power demand fluctuations and enhance the stability of Singapore’s grid, the CGGT plant is slated to commence commercial operations by January 2029. This development is expected to boost PLP’s competitiveness and growth in Singapore.
MGen further noted that the facility, built on a greenfield site, will incorporate a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to help ensure a balanced power supply while minimizing operating costs and environmental impact.
Last January, PLP was granted the right to build, own, and operate the CGGT plant by the Energy Market Authority (EMA).
The new plant will initially utilize 30 percent hydrogen and has the potential to increase this rate to 100 percent hydrogen, depending on market and regulatory demand.
PLP is a joint venture between MGen and Hong Kong’s First Pacific Company.
In addition to its Singaporean investment reaching commercial readiness, MGen is also awaiting the Department of Energy's (DOE) reapproval of the exemption of the 1,200 MW Atimonan power plant in Quezon from the coal moratorium.
In April, MGen president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio expressed hope that this approval would be secured before their board approval by June, with plans to commence operations sometime between late 2029 and early 2030.