MGEN advances S$1.2 billion gas plant in Singapore

Manila, Philippines - Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), led by tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, is progressing with its S$1.2-billion (approximately P58.7 billion) hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plant in Jurong Island, Singapore. The 670-megawatt (MW) facility, operated by MGEN unit PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd., aims to be the first in Singapore to combine a gas turbine with large-scale battery energy storage.

Upon completion in 2029, the plant will provide electricity enough to power around 1.2 million four-room households in Singapore. The integrated battery storage system will enhance energy management and bolster grid resilience by balancing electricity supply and demand. The plant will also be able to co-fire with hydrogen at up to 30 percent by volume from the start, with ambitions of eventually transitioning to 100 percent hydrogen.

MGEN chairman Pangilinan highlighted the project as a testament to the company's belief in Singapore's economic and energy future, stating that it will contribute to the nation's energy security and advance innovative, forward-looking solutions for the energy sector in the region. In January 2023, Singapore's Energy Market Authority granted PacificLight the rights to build, own, and run the plant.

The gas plant will augment PacificLight's existing 830-MW combined-cycle gas turbine facility, operational since 2014, and its 100-MW fast start ancillary services facility, commissioned last year. MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio emphasized that the S$1.2-billion investment demonstrates MGEN's confidence in Singapore's energy future and its dedication to supporting PacificLight as a dependable energy partner. PacificLight is a joint venture between MGEN and Hong Kong-based conglomerate First Pacific Co.