The agreement, signed on Sept. 10, commits First Gen to supply about 10 megawatts (MW) of geothermal energy to seven of Unilever’s production and distribution sites in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.
These sites manufacture a wide array of products under Unilever’s global brands, ranging from ice cream and sauces to beauty, personal care, and home essentials.
With its scale, the Philippines has become one of Unilever’s biggest production platforms and one of its top consumer markets, with products present in nine out of 10 Filipino homes.
Reliable renewable supply
Under the agreement, First Gen will source power from the geothermal plants of its subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. (EDC), in Bicol, Leyte, and Negros Oriental.
Geothermal energy, unlike solar or wind, provides stable 24/7 baseload power, making it a key resource in Unilever’s long-term decarbonization journey.
“Since 2017, First Gen has been our partner in helping us reduce the carbon footprint of our manufacturing operations with a steady supply of RE,” said Rondell Torres, Unilever’s sustainability lead.
“We are committed to continually use RE for our factories and facilities to achieve our operational and sustainability ambitions.”
Building coalitions for climate action
Unilever emphasized that collaboration remains central to addressing climate change.
Arvind Sunderrajan, head of Unilever Supply Chain Foods - Greater Asia, said: “We recognize that no single organization can tackle the climate crisis alone. That’s why partnerships are at the heart of our approach. Together, we can scale renewable energy solutions, foster innovation, and create a resilient supply network that benefits both people and the planet.”
For First Gen, the partnership reflects shared values.
“We are proud to partner with Unilever Philippines in its sustainability journey,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen’s chief customer engagement officer. “We share similar concerns over climate change and are committed to decarbonization efforts that help achieve efficiency and sustainability goals.”
Pioneers in clean energy
First Gen is a pioneering power producer in the Philippines, credited with building the country’s first natural gas plants in the 1990s and acquiring EDC in 2007.
Today, it operates a diverse portfolio of clean energy platforms including geothermal, natural gas, hydro, wind, and solar.
EDC, regarded as the world’s largest vertically integrated geothermal energy producer, has earned international recognition for advancing both renewable power and environmental stewardship.
The renewed deal underscores how large-scale collaborations between multinationals and renewable energy producers are accelerating the Philippines’ transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
