Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), is moving forward with its 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant project in Atimonan, Quezon Province, assuring local officials of its economic, employment, and energy security benefits.
In a recent meeting with Quezon Governor Helen Tan, MGen emphasized its commitment to prioritize local hiring, projecting up to 6,000 construction-phase jobs and 300 long-term positions once the plant becomes operational.
The ultra-supercritical thermal facility, known as the Atimonan Energy project, is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s baseload power capacity, supplying electricity to 5 million households or the equivalent of 1,000 hospitals based on average usage. The plant is projected to meet 7% of Luzon’s total power demand upon completion.
While MGen has yet to release a definitive project timeline, the company affirmed plans to collaborate with TESDA to deliver skills training for local residents in Atimonan and nearby towns, ensuring they are equipped for employment during and after construction.
MGen also estimates that the project will deliver over ₱1 billion in annual economic contributions through real property taxes and community development funding, enhancing the commercial and social value of the project to the host province.
The Atimonan project represents a key component of Meralco’s strategy to reinforce energy stability and ensure affordable electricity for consumers, particularly amid rising demand and concerns over supply reliability.
As the country continues to balance its energy mix, MGen’s large-scale baseload investment underscores the ongoing role of conventional generation in energy security, even as renewable initiatives advance.
