General Milling Corporation (GMC) has collaborated with First Gen Corporation (FGEN) to source renewable energy (RE) for its manufacturing facility in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Manila Bulletin reported that GMC signed an agreement that enables its subsidiary, Green Core Geothermal Inc. (GCGI), to supply geothermal power from its plant in Negros Oriental to GMC’s largest food manufacturing complex. 

GMC’s facility plays a crucial role in its operations, encompassing flour and feed milling, livestock breeding, and hatchery production, as well as a wharf for large cargo shipments. 

According to GMC president Anna Gurango-Vicencio, the collaboration with First Gen is closely aligned with the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. She also expressed optimism about using clean energy to improve sustainable manufacturing practices.

This agreement extends an eight-year collaboration that began in 2016, made possible by the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) policy allowing businesses to choose their energy providers based on significant electricity demand.

FGEN’s vice president for power marketing, trading, and economics, Carlo Vega, emphasized the importance of this long-term collaboration in achieving decarbonization. He noted that the partnership will help GMC reduce its carbon footprint by providing a consistent supply of renewable energy and assisting in rationalizing its power usage.

In addition to its facility in Cebu, GMC has sites in Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Calamba, with headquarters in Makati City and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. 

FGEN currently has over 3,668 megawatts (MW) of combined capacity from 32 power plants running on clean and renewable energy sources.