Ahead of its scheduled completion, MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy (RE) unit of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), announced the activation of its solar power plant in Isabela.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 11, MGen said the 52.8-megawatt (MW) MGreen Cordon Solar power plant is one of the largest solar plants in the region under the second Green Energy Auction (GEA 2) of the Department of Energy (DOE).
According to MGen, the solar project is anticipated to bring in clean and efficient energy to over 53,000 households and be able to minimize 50,400 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly, which is equivalent to reducing 11,700 gasoline-powered cars on the road.
The solar project had also contributed to job creation, as the solar facility brought in more than 800 employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Dennis Jordan, president and chief executive officer of MGreen, described the project’s advancements as a milestone, stating that, “As we switch on our solar power plant that’s completed four months ahead of schedule. We want to show that economic progress, and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan also cited the economic gains from the solar project beyond RE integration.
“There are several benefits from this project, including the local job opportunities created, the boosting of local businesses, the socio-economic developments for Brgy. Capirpiriwan, and the Energy Regulation No. 1-94 benefit which gives host communities a share from the profits of power plants,” he elaborated.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) also acknowledged this feat, as Primabella Gobantes, its supervising officer, highlighted MGreen’s solar energization.
“The ERC acknowledges the vital role of projects like this in helping the government’s efforts to reach the renewable energy targets on our National Renewable Energy Plan. Your efforts in making this possible show that we are advancing toward a renewable energy-secured future,” she said.
With its support for the government’s goal of boosting RE into the power mix, MGreen is set to add 85.2 MW alternating current (MWac) of solar capacity next year, including the inaugurated solar power plant in Nueva Ecija and expansion of its solar farm in Baras, Rizal.
MGreen currently has a net sellable generating RE capacity of 344.5 MW and has a stake in SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC).