Under an agreement signed last month, First Gen will supply 900 kilowatts (kW) of geothermal power to the 200-bed medical center, including its Kidney Institute and specialty care facilities.
The electricity will be sourced from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Cotabato, operated by First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (EDC).
CUMC president Dr. Rosalinda Deleste said the shift to geothermal reinforces the hospital’s commitment to sustainability and community health.
“We are pleased to be the first medical center in Mindanao to be powered directly by geothermal energy harnessed from Mindanao. We look forward to reaping the benefits of renewable energy—not just for the environment, but for improving the health and well-being of Kagayanons,” she said.
Why it matters
CUMC tapped geothermal energy through the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which allows qualified power users with at least 100 kW peak demand to source 100 percent of their electricity from RE suppliers.
Geothermal power is the only renewable source capable of providing continuous, 24/7 baseload capacity, making it ideal for hospitals and critical institutions.
First Gen chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega said the company is committed to supporting organizations pursuing decarbonization.
“Geothermal energy is ideal for hospitals, industries, and other businesses that need reliable RE supply. It’s an honor to support CUMC as they begin their journey towards decarbonization,” he said.
Zoom out
First Gen has over 1,700 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity across 22 geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro facilities nationwide.
In Mindanao, the company also operates a 1.6 MW run-of-river mini-hydro facility in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which relies on water flow from the Agusan River.
Two additional hydro projects are in development: the 32-MW Bubunawan Hydro Project in Libona, Bukidnon, and the 40-MW San Isidro Hydroelectric Power Project along the Cagayan de Oro River. Both will use run-of-river technology, which generates energy using natural river flow without large dams.
The bottom line
CUMC’s shift to geothermal power underscores growing demand for stable, sustainable energy among Philippine institutions—and highlights First Gen’s expanding footprint in Mindanao’s clean energy landscape. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
