A massive power undertaking is taking shape in Quezon province, with plans for a 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant moving forward despite a national shift towards greater energy sustainability. Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), the generation arm of Manila Electric Co., is actively seeking agreements to sell the electricity this plant will produce, potentially as early as next year.
The company’s president and CEO, Emmanuel V. Rubio, revealed they are preparing to engage in either a competitive selection process or a baseload capacity auction. This strategic move aims to secure a buyer for the substantial power output, working closely with the Department of Energy to determine the most effective path.
Current regulations dictate that power suppliers compete through transparent, cost-focused selection processes managed by distribution utilities. Alternatively, auctions offer a market-driven approach to establishing long-term power supply agreements.
The project, spearheaded by MGEN’s subsidiary Atimonan One Energy, Inc., envisions an ultra-supercritical pulverized coal plant. This technology represents a significant investment in efficiency, designed to maximize power generation while minimizing environmental impact.
Interestingly, the Philippine government implemented a moratorium on new coal-fired power plant proposals in 2020, prioritizing more sustainable energy sources. However, the Atimonan project secured a crucial certification, exempting it from this restriction and allowing development to proceed.
MGEN is committed to utilizing high-efficiency, low-emission (HELE) technology in the plant’s construction. This advanced system operates at elevated temperatures and pressures, extracting more energy from each unit of fuel and reducing overall emissions.
Once operational, the plant is projected to deliver enough electricity to power at least five million homes, significantly bolstering the nation’s energy reserves. The anticipated completion date is set for February 2030, marking the culmination of years of planning and development.
Currently, MGEN boasts a total net saleable capacity of 5,068 MW. The company has ambitious plans to double this capacity within the next five years, with the Atimonan project serving as a cornerstone of this expansion.
