Meralco, KEPCO expand renewable energy partnership beyond solar
The power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) are planning to look into more renewable energy (RE) developments beyond the current solar assets.
In a statement on Thursday, Sept. 11, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) and KEPCO disclosed their plans to tap wind power and energy storage systems (ESS) as their next project ventures.
According to MGen, this interest was already opened up last February, when KEPCO and One Meralco Group inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for potential partnerships on nuclear energy, RE, smart grids, microgrids, ESS, electric vehicles (EVs), advanced metering infrastructure, smart substations, and distribution automation.
Furthermore, the company’s plans to expand beyond solar energy stem from the recent transition of the 63.3-megawatt peak (MWp) Calatagan solar farm in Batangas from Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. (SPPPHI) to MGen’s SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC).
The shift was formalized through a deed of accession, under which a new party enters an existing arrangement and assumes the same rights and obligations as the other parties.
MGen further affirmed the shared commitment to boost its presence as a joint shareholder in one of the biggest solar facilities in Batangas.
Emmanuel Rubio, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of MGen, emphasized that the extended collaboration with the South Korean firm would help push through its clean energy and sustainability goals in the country.
“By working hand in hand, we aim to not only ensure the continued success of the Calatagan solar farm but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in the Philippine energy sector,” he said.
Jeon Yongsu, president of KEPCO Philippines Holdings Inc., added that, “This agreement is a testament to the trust and cooperation that KEPCO and MGen have built over the years. Together, we are creating a stronger foundation to accelerate RE development in the Philippines and set a benchmark for strategic energy partnerships across Asia.”
Last month, MGen affirmed its steady goal of doubling its net saleable capacity within five years compared to current levels.