First Gen Corporation announced on December 12 that Divine Mercy Wellness and Medical Center (DMWMC) in Tuguegarao City has transitioned its electricity supply to renewable energy sourced from geothermal power through a partnership with the company.

Under the agreement, the hospital now sources its electricity from the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant in Leyte, which is operated by Energy Development Corporation – a subsidiary of First Gen. The shift to direct geothermal power followed the signing of the partnership between the two parties.

The arrangement is implemented under the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), which allows qualified electricity consumers with an average peak demand of at least 100 kilowatts to directly procure their power supply from renewable energy providers.

“Our partnership with First Gen reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship while ensuring the provision of high-quality healthcare. By embracing renewable energy, we reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future for the communities we serve,” said Godofredo Cruz, president of DMWMC.

DMWMC is a 100-bed medical facility with more than 200 medical specialists, providing round-the-clock radiology, pathology, laboratory, and other ancillary healthcare services. The hospital is part of the Mount Grace Hospitals network under the UNILAB Group.

“Geothermal power provides a clean, reliable, and consistent energy source—qualities that are vital for hospitals. We are privileged to support DMWMC as we advance decarbonization efforts and champion environmental and community well-being,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen’s chief customer engagement officer.

First Gen operates 1,700 megawatts of renewable energy capacity from geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar power sources. The company also holds a 40-percent stake in four gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 2,017 MW, which it said helps support national energy security and complement intermittent renewable energy supply.

As more hospitals and large power users tap programs like GEOP, how might wider adoption of renewable energy reshape electricity sourcing for critical facilities in the country?

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