Mindanao hospital goes 100% renewable through FGen deal
One of Mindanao’s largest private medical facilities will soon operate on full renewable energy (RE) through its partnership with Lopez-led First Gen Corp. (FGen).
In a statement, FGen said it has signed a partnership with Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC) to supply the Cagayan de Oro City-based hospital with 900 kilowatts (kW) of geothermal energy sourced from Mt. Apo geothermal plant.
The geothermal facility, located in Cotabato province, is owned and operated by FGen’s subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. (EDC).
The supply deal was made through the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), a voluntary policy that allows end-users to source their power from RE. Since geothermal is a 24/7 baseload capacity, it would enable consumers with a 100-kilowatt (kW) demand threshold to operate with cleaner energy alternatives.
FGen’s geothermal capacity will be integrated to support the electricity needs of CUMC’s hospital facilities, including its kidney institute and other care units.
Rosalinda Deleste, CUMC president, lauded the partnership, stating, “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 RE not just for helping the environment, but for doing our part to improve the health and well-being of Kagayanons.”
Carlo Vega, FGen chief customer engagement officer, emphasized the importance of using geothermal energy for hospital operations, noting that it provides a continuous and reliable supply of electricity.
“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,” he said.
Currently, the company has 1,700 megawatts (MW) worth of renewable capacity, the majority of which is geothermal, while the rest comes from wind, solar, and hydropower.
Other developments in Mindanao include FGen’s management of a 1.6-MW run-of-river mini-hydro plant in Bukidnon province, which harnesses energy from Agusan River.
It also plans to expand its Mindanao portfolio through the development of the 32-MW Bubunawan hydro facility in Libona, Bukidnon, and the 40-MW San Isidro hydropower plant in Cagayan de Oro River.