First Gen Aims for 9,000-MW Renewable Growth as EDC Marks 50 Years

Posted on Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:11 pm

KANANGGA, Leyte — As the Philippines marks 50 years of geothermal energy development on March 5, First Gen Corporation is pushing toward a 9,000‑megawatt (MW) renewable energy portfolio by 2030, reinforcing its role in the country’s energy transition.

This milestone coincides with the 50th anniversary of Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the world’s largest vertically integrated geothermal producer and a key subsidiary of First Gen. Geothermal energy remains the only renewable source in the Philippines capable of providing baseload capacity and ensuring reliable power day and night.

Federico Lopez, Chairman of First Gen, emphasized that EDC’s mandate from the beginning was to harness indigenous resources and develop a local power supply to make the country’s energy grid resilient and secure.’

Established on March 5, 1976, EDC was a state‑owned corporation aimed at developing geothermal energy to reduce reliance on imported oil. By the mid‑1980s, the Philippines had become a global geothermal leader. EDC was privatized in 2007, becoming a First Gen subsidiary and a key player in the company’s clean energy initiatives.

“EDC has played a crucial role in establishing First Gen as a leader in clean energy, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey,” Lopez added.

Kananga, Leyte is the heart of EDC’s geothermal operations, housing some of the country’s most important geothermal power facilities.  These facilities in Kananga, including the Unified Leyte geothermal complex, contribute significantly to the clean energy output powering homes across the Visayas grid.

The Unified Leyte geothermal complex includes high‑capacity plants like the Malitbog plant (232‑MW), Mahagdong plant (180‑MW), and Optimization plant (51-MW), ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the region. The Upper Mahiao geothermal plant, a 129 MW facility acquired by EDC in 2006, is also a key contributor to the grid.

While the Upper Mahiao plant is set to be phased out by 2029 due to reaching the end of its economic life, EDC is exploring site redevelopment options.  The company is also investing in new geothermal binary plants to enhance capacity and efficiency in the region.

To reflect its expanding presence, First Gen introduced a unified corporate brand that consolidates its power generation, energy supply, and customer solutions under one identity.

Giles Puno, the First Gen President, stated, “This move aims to provide clarity to our employees, partners, customers, and communities about our identity, values, and collaborative approach.”

First Gen Corp. has reorganized its business, grouping its geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar power plants under a new unit called First Gen Renewables.

A second unit, First Gen Energy Supply, will be responsible for matching the company’s power generation with customer demand.

The company also launched First Gen Energy Solutions, which will offer behind-the-meter services such as on-site solar installations and energy audits to help clients meet their sustainability goals.

Puno emphasized the importance of customer-centric solutions in the evolving energy landscape, where customers seek reliable, affordable, and sustainable power sources.

First Gen currently operates over 1,700 MW of renewable capacity nationwide and holds a 40% interest in four gas‑fired power plants totaling 2,017 MW.

The company aims to significantly expand its renewables footprint in the Philippines and Indonesia as part of its  9,000‑MW clean energy growth strategy by 2030.

With a strengthened brand and strategic investments in geothermal, solar, wind, and energy solutions, First Gen is committed to providing sustainable, resilient, and reliable power for the future as the Philippines continues its renewable energy journey.

(Photo by: Jazmin Bonifacio)