MGEN partners with CATL and SUMEC to develop a BESS project in Toledo, Cebu. Seen in the photo are: MGEN Thermal Vice President & Finance Head Margarita Paulino; MGEN Thermal Chief Operating Officer Felino Bernardo; MGEN Thermal President Jaime Azurin; MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio, CATL Executive President Zhu Wei; CATL Southeast Asia Director Bella Zhou; SUMEC Philippines General Manager Lennon Zong.
Pasig City, Philippines — 18 September 2025 — Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) unit Toledo Energy Development Corporation has formally signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contract with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) and SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd. (SUMEC) for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Toledo, Cebu.
CATL – a global leader of new energy innovative technologies – will provide its advanced battery technologies for MGEN’s BESS project in Toledo, Cebu (Toledo BESS Project).
SUMEC – a leading global engineering solutions provider – will contribute its expertise in project execution, ensuring the facility is completed on schedule and upholds the highest standards.
Together, their combined capabilities will enable the successful delivery of the Toledo BESS Project – one that strengthens MGEN’s efforts to enhance grid stability and support the Philippines’ energy transition.
Construction and installation of the facility are set to commence within the month of September 2025. The first phase of the project is targeted to deliver an initial 25 MW by Q2 of 2026 – providing reliable and balanced power delivery across the Visayas grid. The remaining capacity is expected to be completed in 2027, subject to regulatory clearances.
“Our signing marks another important step in our efforts to strengthen the country’s energy system. With CATL and SUMEC as our partners, the Toledo BESS project will take shape with the benefit of proven expertise and world-class technology,” said MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio.
“We are proud to collaborate with MGEN and SUMEC – both are leaders in the energy industry with proven track record in delivering reliable solutions in the region,” said Zhu Wei, Executive President of CATL. “Together with forward-thinking partners, we are ready to shape and strengthen a robust green energy system in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.”
“This energy storage project is not just another venture—it is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing clean energy in the Philippines. By integrating advanced storage technology, we are not only enhancing grid stability but also ensuring that renewable energy can be supplied reliably, day and night. This step is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and building a resilient energy future for this nation,” said SUMEC Philippines General Manager Lennon Zong.
Once completed, the Toledo BESS project will significantly enhance grid flexibility and reliability, supporting the Philippines’ goal of expanding renewable energy capacity and ensuring energy security.