Under the agreement, First Gen will supply electricity directly sourced from the Pantabangan-Masiway and Casecnan hydro-electric plants in Nueva Ecija to sustain the operations of NARRA1, located inside the Laguna Technopark in Biñan. The facility is among the most technologically advanced data centers in Asia, emphasizing both performance and environmental sustainability.
“We are proud to operate a world-class data center that meets the growing demand for digital infrastructure while upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility,” said Digital Edge Philippines country manager Vic Barrios.
“By design, NARRA1 is already one of the most energy- and water-efficient data centers in the region. Through our partnership with First Gen, it will now also be powered by renewable hydroelectricity—further strengthening our commitment to sustainable operations,” Barrios said.
Jointly developed with the Philippine-based Threadborne Group, the 10-MW NARRA1 features 2,200 cabinets across 12 data halls and provides 5,200 square meters of colocation space. It is Southeast Asia’s first data center to obtain EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification and the first in the Philippines to achieve LEED Gold certification for sustainability and energy efficiency.
Carlo Vega, First Gen chief customer engagement officer, noted, “The need for data centers is growing and operating these requires large-scale, uninterrupted power with the lowest possible carbon emissions. We look forward to working with Digital Edge as they continue to make progress in their decarbonization journey, not just with a supply of reliable, low-emission, and cost-competitive electricity, but solutions that will help optimize their energy usage."
First Gen’s renewable energy portfolio includes nearly 300 MW of hydropower, 160 MW of wind and solar, and 1,200 MW of geothermal energy through its subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. (EDC). Its four natural gas-fired plants with a combined 2,017 MW capacity complement its green assets, ensuring grid stability and energy security. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
