Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC), one of the largest private medical facilities in Mindanao, has partnered with First Gen Corp. to power its facilities entirely with renewable energy, making it the first hospital in the region to be 100-percent powered by renewable energy. The agreement will source energy from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Cotabato, owned and operated by First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corp. First Gen will supply 900 kilowatts (kW) of geothermal power to support the electricity needs of the 200-bed hospital. The hospital was able to connect directly to the geothermal energy source through the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which enables eligible power users to source 100 percent of their electricity requirements from renewable energy suppliers. CUMC president Dr. Rosalinda Deleste expressed pleasure in being the first medical center in Mindanao to be powered directly by geothermal energy, highlighting the benefits of using renewable energy for the environment and the health and well-being of Kagayanons. First Gen chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega noted that geothermal energy is ideal for hospitals and industries that need reliable renewable energy supply, and the company is honored to support CUMC’s journey towards decarbonization. With over 1,700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity from various facilities, First Gen is expanding its portfolio in Mindanao with planned hydro projects, including the 32-MW Bubunawan Hydro project and the 40-MW San Isidro Hydroelectric Power Project, both of which will utilize run-of-river design to generate electricity without building large dams or reservoirs.
