Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) and VITRO REIT, Inc. (VITRO), a subsidiary of ePLDT within the PLDT Group, will study potential Philippine data center sites that can be developed alongside power generation facilities.
The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assess how electricity supply, renewable energy, and connectivity can be planned together for data centers. The studies will examine potential locations, power capacity, facility requirements, and costs before determining how the proposed developments could proceed.
“This collaboration reflects the growing convergence between the energy and digital infrastructure sectors,” said Emmanuel Rubio, president and CEO, MGEN. “Power is increasingly becoming a critical factor in where and how data centers are developed. By bringing together our respective capabilities, we can explore solutions on how reliable, cost-competitive, and sustainable power can be integrated into the development of digital infrastructure.”
The partnership brings together MGEN’s power generation and supply expertise, including renewable energy, and VITRO’s data center development, operations, and connectivity capabilities.
MGEN will identify potential sites where data centers could be developed with power generation facilities. It will also evaluate possible electricity supply arrangements.
VITRO will lead data center design and site studies, plan connectivity, and engage prospective tenants. These include hyperscalers, or companies that operate large-scale computing infrastructure.
The joint technical and commercial studies will also assess renewable energy resources and possible business arrangements. The MOU establishes a framework for this work; it does not announce a confirmed construction project.
“Improving the cost and reliability of power is one of the key objectives of this collaboration, as energy remains a decisive factor in attracting hyperscale and AI investments to the country,” said Victor Genuino, president and CEO, VITRO REIT, Inc.
The study will consider both power and connectivity when assessing locations for facilities that could support growing demand for digital services and high-density computing, including AI.