WalterMart and Abenson have expanded their clean energy partnership with First Gen Corporation as the retail group shifts more of its facilities to geothermal power. The new agreement covers 47 megawatts for 47 WalterMart malls, retail outlets, and hotels across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon.

The power supply will come from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant operated by First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corporation. WalterMart Chairman Abraham Uypeckcuat said the partnership aligned with the group’s long-term sustainability goals. “The commitment to clean power enables our malls to operate responsibly and efficiently, reducing our carbon footprint while creating a greener future for the communities we serve,” he said.

The agreement includes W Department Store, WalterMart Supermarket, Abenson branches, Citadines Bay City Manila, and Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila. First Gen President Giles Puno said the company is ready to assist in WalterMart’s continued growth. “We are happy to support the WalterMart journey to power their community malls with 100% RE,” he said.

The strengthened partnership builds on their collaboration that began in 2019 through on-site solar projects in WalterMart community malls. By year-end, 25 of WalterMart’s 45 malls will host solar facilities totaling 27 megawatt peak, which is in line with the company’s target to source 20% of its electricity needs from solar by end-2025.

First Gen, a subsidiary of First Philippine Holdings Corporation, continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio of over 1,700 MW from geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro assets. Its subsidiary Pi Energy supports partners with on-site solar systems, remote monitoring, and energy efficiency solutions.

How will WalterMart’s move toward geothermal and solar power influence the sustainability efforts of other major retail chains in the Philippines?

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