MEDIA STATEMENT
Atimonan Energy Project Set to Deliver Cost-Effective, Reliable Baseload Power for Luzon
Pasig City, Philippines — 28 July 2025 — The Department of Energy (DoE) has reaffirmed the status of Atimonan Energy Power Plant project as a committed project following the agency’s earlier confirmation that the project remains outside the coverage of the 2020 Coal Moratorium Policy.
In view of this, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) is pursuing the development of Atimonan One Energy, Inc.’s 1,200 MW ultra supercritical pulverized coal-fired power plant as part of its thermal business portfolio and commitment to providing cost-effective and reliable power supply to meet the growing energy demands of Luzon. With DOE’s latest reaffirmation of the project’s non-coverage, Atimonan One Energy, Inc. can proceed with the processing of the required further permits through EVOSS.
The Atimonan Energy power plant will be constructed using the High Efficiency, Low Emission (HELE)technology that utilizes high temperatures and pressures to maximize energy production while minimizing fuel consumption. This is one of the latest technologies in the world that is critical in achieving lower carbon emissions from thermal plants. These thermal plants provide enhanced plant efficiency and have been used world-wide as well as in other Asian countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, and China.
Once completed, the thermal plant will ensure sufficient supply of reliable and affordable baseload energy for the Philippines. It will generate enough power supply to cater to at least 5.0 million households (based on an average monthly consumption of 150 kWh) or the equivalent energy needs of approximately 1000 hospitals. The new power source will account for approximately 7% of Luzon’s total energy demand, playing a crucial role in bolstering the country’s energy security and ensuring a reliable power supply for the future. The plant will also enable lowering the electricity cost by approximately ₱12 billion annually and achieve the objective of bringing efficient baseload power for the country.
Moreover, the Atimonan Energy Power Plant is set to deliver significant benefits to the local community, with an estimated annual economic contribution exceeding ₱1 billion. This includes revenue from real property taxes and funding for various community development initiatives. During the construction phase, the project is expected to create up to 6,000 local jobs, with an additional 300 permanent positions once the plant is operational. On top of the project’s full compliance with all applicable DENR environmental laws, rules, and regulations, MGEN will also supply up to five (5) million tree seedlings by 2035 for use of government agencies in their sequestration efforts.
MGEN’s pursuit of the Atimonan Energy project builds on its solid track record of sustainable energy development as the company is currently building the world’s largest integrated solar and battery energy storage facility through MTerra Solar project, which showcases its commitment to accelerating renewable energy growth. At the same time, MGEN is investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its domestic and international ventures, recognizing its role as a critical transition fuel that complements renewables while ensuring grid stability. These strategic initiatives underscore MGEN’s balanced and forward-looking approach to powering the country’s development.
“We welcome the DOE’s reaffirmation of the Atimonan Energy project’s non-coverage from the coal moratorium policy. As MGEN plays a key role in ensuring the country’s energy security and leading the energy transition, our investment in Atimonan will help address today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. We will employ advanced and efficient technologies to ensure our operations support economic and societal development –all while adhering to the company’s commitment to sustainability,”
MGEN President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio said.