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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider First Gen expands renewable energy focus beyond geothermal

First Gen expands renewable energy focus beyond geothermal

Published Jun 13, 2025 12:00 am  |  Updated Jun 12, 2025 02:52 pm

Lopez-led First Gen Corporation (First Gen) is set to expand its renewable energy initiatives beyond geothermal, with plans to increase investments in solar and wind technologies.

In a recent interview, First Gen President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles Puno said the company's strategy is to balance its established geothermal production with new solar and wind developments. 

"Our focus has been more on geothermal, because [it] can run base load. So it produces more kilowatt-hours (kWh) every hour," Puno told reporters.

To achieve the same level of electricity production as a geothermal plant, Puno said First Gen needs to significantly increase its investment in solar and wind, as these sources are currently on a smaller scale for the firm.

First Gen is already moving forward with the Inara project, a 50-megawatt (MW) solar facility in Batangas, with plans to potentially increase its capacity to 100 MW. Puno estimates the initial phase of the Inara project will cost approximately $20 million (around ₱1 billion).

“That’s the reason why this year, we’re setting up our first larger solar scale project, 50 MW first phase. Hopefully, 150 [MW]… That’s the start of our buildout of solar,” he said.

He also said that the company is currently securing permits for the project and expects to spend $20 to $25 million this year, though the project won't be completed until next year.

Further demonstrating its commitment to solar energy, First Gen acquired full ownership of Pi Energy Inc. in May for ₱1 billion. This acquisition included 210,330 common shares and 2.78 million preferred shares. Pi Energy is known for its expertise in microgrids, solar rooftops, energy audits, remote energy monitoring, and energy efficiency services. It was previously a subsidiary of Renewable Energy (RE) firm First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH).

"In the meantime, the feasibility for wind is also promising," Puno noted. "We're hoping to expand in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and other areas where we have concessions.”

First Gen's subsidiary, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), currently manages the EDC Burgos Wind Power Corp. (EBWPC).

EBWPC owns and operates the 150 MW Burgos Wind project in Ilocos Norte, which spans a 600-hectare site and is connected via a 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line linking the wind farm from the Burgos substation to the Laoag substation and associated switchyards.

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