MGreen Baras Solar in Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal. This 80.1 MWac solar facility is expected to provide clean energy to around 81,000 households. This is the first solar power plant in the province of Rizal.
Baras, Rizal, Philippines – 28 March 2025 – Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its renewable energy unit MGEN Renewable Energy Inc., (MGreen) has successfully inaugurated 152.7-megawatts (MWac) of solar projects across Luzon in the first quarter of 2025. New solar plants in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; Cordon, Isabela; and the expanded solar facility in Baras, Rizal are the latest additions to MGEN’s growing renewable energy portfolio. These projects support the country’s clean energy targets while providing sustainable power to over 154,000 homes and driving economic growth in host communities. The completion of MGreen’s Baras Solar expansion marks the fulfillment of MGEN’s committed solar projects for the year, reinforcing its dedication to a more sustainable energy future.
With its recent expansion, Baras Solar now has a total capacity of 80.1 MWac, making it the first and only solar farm in Rizal. This is a milestone for a province known for its natural wonders and thriving eco-tourism as it now embraces clean energy development, ensuring sustainable progress while preserving its environment.
“Our expansion of MGreen Baras Solar is about helping communities, protecting the environment, and contributing to the country’s clean energy goals, this project reflects our commitment to building a greener future while bringing meaningful opportunities to the people of Baras and Rizal”
– Dennis B. Jordan, President and CEO of MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc.
Beyond supplying clean energy, the expansion has also fueled local economic growth by creating jobs and supporting small businesses. During the project’s construction, it employed over 1,600 local workers, equipping them with valuable skills and employment opportunities—including more than 300 women who played key roles in the plant’s completion. “Renewable energy is not just a source of power but also a source of employment. These kinds of projects offer opportunities, fosters economic growth, and paves the way for a brighter and more sustainable future,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, who was the keynote speaker of the event.
This is the third MGEN solar plant to be inaugurated in the past month, following two projects completed ahead of schedule under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) second Green Energy Auction (GEA II) program—namely, the 19.8 MWac MGreen Bongabon Solar in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, and the 52.8 MWac MGreen Cordon Solar in Cordon, Isabela. Notably, the Bongabon facility is the first GEA II project to be completed at least six months ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the Cordon facility stands as one of the largest operational solar farms in Region 2 under GEA II, further strengthening Luzon’s renewable energy landscape.
With these developments, MGEN reinforces its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ renewable energy targets, aligning with the DOE’s goal of 35% renewable energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
Local government officials expressed the importance and impact of this project. Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares said “Nagpapasalamat ako sa proyektong ito. Natutuwa ako na it will provide stability in power supply hindi lamang sa dito Rizal kundi sa ibang lugar din.” (I am grateful for this project. I am glad that it will provide the stability of power supply not just here in Rizal but also across different places).
Baras Mayor Wilfredo Robles also expressed his support for the project, stating, “Ang proyektong ito ay mabuting simula sa pagpapabuti ng kalagayan ng kapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng pagbababa ng greenhouse gas emissions.” (This project is a great start in improving the state of our environment through reducing greenhouse gas emissions).
MGEN’s renewable energy portfolio now stands at almost 400 MWac of net sellable capacity, spanning seven provinces, including Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Batangas, and Tarlac, along with its newly energized solar farms in Nueva Ecija, Rizal, and Isabela. With its current projects and an expanding pipeline, MGEN is expected surpass its goal of 1,500 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Among its most ambitious projects is the 3,500MWp MTerra Solar – set to become the world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility with phase 1 slated for completion by February 2026.
Switch-On Ceremony of the MGEN’s plant in Baras, Rizal. Seen on the photo (from L-R) are: Baras Solar Site Head Michael Fajardo, Head of Regional Operations and Maintenance RJ Rivera, MGEN CFO Rochel Gloria, MGEN Renewables Inc. President and CEO Dennis B. Jordan, Rizal Vice Governor Junfrey San Juan, Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, Baras Mayor Wilfredo Robles, MITSUI General Manager Yuji Veda, and MITSUI Deputy Branch General Manager Lysander Quinones, DOE Usec. Rowena Guevarra, and DOE OIC Chief Solar Energy Management Group Edward Neri.