First Gen powers Citadines Bacolod with clean energy

September 18, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has secured a renewable energy supply deal to power the operations of Citadines Bacolod, one of the city’s largest hotels owned by Singapore’s Ascott Group.

Under the agreement signed on Tuesday, First Gen will supply 800 kilowatts of geothermal power to energize the hotel’s rooms and facilities.

The electricity supply will come from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant of First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

“As part of The Ascott Ltd., we are committed to upholding sustainability through eco-friendly operations and efficient energy consumption,” Citadines Bacolod general manager Caleb Han said.

With this partnership, Han said the hotel could minimize its “energy intensity and carbon footprint.”

Citadines Bacolod features 200 rooms, five amenity areas, five food and beverage outlets, a business lounge, meeting rooms and a grand ballroom.

“Transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon intensity is achievable for any business, and we remain committed to supporting our partners in optimizing their energy use,” First Gen sales and engagement head Arlene Sy Soriano said.

First Gen, through EDC, operates the country’s largest geothermal portfolio, with a total capacity of 1,200 megawatts. This is equivalent to around 56 percent of the Philippines’ total installed capacity.

The company’s renewable power portfolio also includes hydro, wind and solar assets totaling more than 400 MW in installed capacity.

Recently, First Gen renewed its clean energy supply deal with Unilever Philippines, continuing to power the latter’s seven facilities across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas.

Through its production sites, Unilever manufactures a wide array of products across various categories such as food, beauty, wellbeing, personal care and home care items.