Dallas-Based Jacobs to Lead Philippines’ Landmark Solar Energy Project

Terra Solar Project to Provide 12% of Nation’s Energy and Reduce Dependence on Coal

By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published December 6, 2024.

Dallas engineering firm Jacobs is spearheading the Terra Solar Project in the Philippines, one of the world's largest solar and battery installations, to address the nation’s energy needs and reduce reliance on coal.

Jacobs has been selected to provide engineering and construction services for the Terra Solar Project in the Philippines, a $3.3 billion initiative that is poised to become one of the largest solar and battery energy projects globally. The venture underscores the Southeast Asian nation’s push toward renewable energy as it seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on coal-fired power.

The Terra Solar Project, developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., spans 3,000 hectares (11.5 square miles) in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, approximately 150 kilometers north of Manila. With an ambitious capacity of 3,500 megawatts (MW) of solar power and a 4,500 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), it is expected to meet 12% of the country’s total electricity demand upon completion, making it a pivotal addition to the Philippines’ energy landscape.

“The Philippines is heavily reliant on coal for power generation, which has significant environmental and economic downsides,” said Jacobs Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh. “Our work on the Terra Solar Project will help transition the nation toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, reducing emissions while enhancing energy security and resilience.”

Jacobs will utilize advanced digital tools, including drone technology, to streamline inspections, monitor construction progress, and manage supply chain logistics. The project, which involves the installation of millions of solar panels, is scheduled to deliver its first power output by 2026, with full operations expected by 2027.

Dennis B. Jordan, president of MGEN Renewable Energy Inc., a stakeholder in Terra Solar, emphasized the transformative potential of the project. “Not only will Terra Solar provide clean energy for the Philippines, but it will also change the whole dynamics of the energy industry. With the combination of solar and battery technologies, we see that it will be able to compete with conventional energy sources, and provide not just a low emission energy source, but an economical one as well,” Jordan said.

The Philippines faces significant challenges in its energy sector, including high electricity costs and overreliance on imported coal, which fuels more than half of its power plants. However, the nation also boasts abundant renewable energy potential. With some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, the Philippines is well-positioned to harness solar power to meet its growing energy demands.

Despite its advantages, the Philippines has been slow to adopt renewables due to regulatory hurdles, underdeveloped infrastructure, and financing constraints. However, initiatives like the Terra Solar Project are setting the stage for accelerated growth. In 2023, renewable energy sources accounted for about 21% of the nation’s total energy mix, with a goal to increase this to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

The Terra Solar Project is among a wave of renewable energy ventures benefiting from government support, such as the issuance of "green lane certificates" to expedite construction and recognition as an energy project of national significance. These measures are aimed at addressing the Philippines’ growing energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with its climate commitments.

As Jacobs takes the lead on this transformative project, the firm continues to solidify its role as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, having been ranked among the top companies in power and renewable energy engineering.

The Terra Solar Project represents a significant step toward the Philippines’ renewable energy goals, offering a model for future collaborations in Southeast Asia and beyond.