Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), a key player in a major power venture in Batangas, is increasing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations in Singapore.
MGen President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio announced that the company’s Singapore-based unit, PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. (PLP), is on track to begin operations of a 100-megawatt (MW) fast-start generator this quarter. This expansion is part of PLP’s existing 830-MW combined cycle gas turbine facility, which uses both gas and steam to produce electricity.
Once operational, the new generator will be able to provide dispatchable reserves, offering backup power to the grid when needed.
“While we aim to expand the LNG-to-power business in the Philippines, we have been steadily growing our LNG capacity outside the country,” Rubio said.
In addition to the fast-start generator, PLP is also developing a 600-MW gas plant on Jurong Island. The project was awarded through a Singaporean government bidding earlier this year.
Rubio revealed that Japan’s Mitsubishi Power has been selected as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the hydrogen-ready power plant. The plant, which is scheduled to begin commercial operations in January 2029, will feature Singapore’s first large-scale battery energy storage system.
A unique aspect of this plant is its ability to use at least 30 percent hydrogen from the start, with plans to eventually run entirely on hydrogen.
Rubio stated that the new investment aims to meet Singapore’s rising energy demand while setting a new standard for integrating efficiency and environmental responsibility in power generation.
PLP is a joint venture between MGen and Hong Kong-based conglomerate First Pacific Co.
Earlier this year, MGen, chaired by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, made headlines with a $3.3-billion deal with the Aboitiz Group and San Miguel Global Power (SMGP). As part of the deal, MGen and Aboitiz-owned Therma Natgas Power Inc. acquired a 67-percent equity stake in SMGP’s two gas-fired plants in Batangas.
Additionally, the two energy companies completed the buyout of Linseed Field Corp., the operator of an LNG import and regasification terminal in the province.
As the power investment arm of the Meralco Group, MGen has a total gross generation capacity of over 2,400 MW, providing baseload, intermediate, peak load, and ancillary support to the grid.
