Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC) has become the first hospital in Mindanao to run entirely on renewable energy after securing a direct supply of geothermal power from First Gen Corporation, marking a milestone for clean energy adoption in the region’s critical health sector.

Under an agreement signed last month, First Gen will supply 900 kilowatts (kW) of geothermal power to meet the electricity requirements of the 200-bed hospital, including its Kidney Institute and other specialty care facilities. The power will be sourced from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Cotabato, owned and operated by First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corporation.

“We are pleased to be the first medical center in Mindanao to be powered directly by geothermal energy that is also harnessed from Mindanao. We look forward to reaping the benefits of using renewable energy not just for helping the environment, but for doing our part to improve the health and well-being of Kagayanons,” said CUMC President Rosalinda R. Deleste.

The hospital’s shift to full renewable energy was enabled through the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which allows eligible power users with an average peak demand of at least 100 kW over the past 12 months to source 100% of their electricity from renewable energy suppliers. Geothermal power, in particular, provides stable, 24/7 baseload capacity—an operational requirement for hospitals.

“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,” said First Gen Chief Customer Engagement Officer Carlo Vega.

First Gen currently operates over 1,700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity nationwide from more than 22 geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro facilities. In Mindanao, beyond the Mt. Apo geothermal facility, the company also operates a 1.6-MW run-of-river mini-hydro plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and is developing two additional hydro projects: 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 upcoming projects will use run-of-river designs without large dams or reservoirs.

What does CUMC’s full shift to geothermal power signal for the next wave of institutional demand under GEOP? Join the discussion 

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