A couple of weeks ago, my column centered on sustainability. And lucky enough for me, very soon after, I was blessed with the opportunity to host and facilitate the launching of a project that defines that very concept.

Thus, it is my pleasure to share that the 50-megawatts (MW) solar power plant of PowerSource First Bulacan Solar, Inc. (PFBSI) has officially started commercial operations and now provides clean and renewable power to the Luzon grid. Now called BulacanSol, the newly completed plant secured a clearance to operate from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on May 12.

Located in San Miguel, Bulacan, the PhP4.25-billion project is a joint undertaking of MGen Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGreen), which owns 60% of the project; and PowerSource Energy Holdings Corporation, with 40%. MGreen is the renewable energy unit of MERALCO PowerGen Corporation (MGen), which in turn is the power generation arm of MERALCO. BulacanSol now plays a significant role in One MERALCO Group’s long-term sustainability agenda.

“This is a modest step into renewables but a significant one for MERALCO. We look forward to many more investments in renewables, particularly solar, as we attempt to achieve that balance in fuel sourcing, which will ultimately be biased towards renewables,” MERALCO Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“In June 2019, MERALCO made the first announcement that it would join the shift to renewable energy and it will adopt sustainable practices for the One MERALCO Group. And today, we realize the very first renewable power plant – the first of several that One Meralco has lined up for investment and sourcing,” added MERALCO President & CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa.

BulacanSol signifies the commitment of One MERALCO and PowerSource Group to help ensure energy security through clean, cost-competitive, and sustainable power, PFBSI Chairman Rogelio L. Singson said.

Truly, brighter days ahead!