Manila Electric eyes wind, solar, nuclear to boost coal-free push

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the Philippines’ largest power retailer, plans to tap nuclear, solar and wind energy sources to accelerate its push to stop using coal by 2050.

The company that distributes electricity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces is building solar farms that can generate 188 megawatts, in line with its target to have 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2027.

Plans for small modular nuclear reactors, battery energy storage systems and large-scale wind farms are also being considered, it said.

Manila Electric is “embarking on a just, orderly and affordable transition to clean and earth-friendly energy,” chairman Manuel Pangilinan said in a statement Monday.

Coal-fired power plants account for a third of the retailer's sales volume, according to company data.

It will also assess more advanced technologies including carbon capture and “green hydrogen” to support its clean energy push. Pangilinan last year said shifting to renewable energy was "not an easy choice” as it may translate to higher costs which consumers will likely oppose.