Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC), one of the largest private medical facilities in Mindanao, marks a milestone by becoming the first hospital in the region to be fully powered by renewable energy (RE), in partnership with First Gen Corporation.
Under the agreement signed by CUMC and First Gen officials last month, the latter would supply 900 kilowatts (kW) of geothermal power to support the electricity needs of the 200-bed hospital, including its Kidney Institute, and other specialty care facilities.
The company will source the renewable energy supply from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant in Cotabato, owned and operated by First Gen subsidiary Energy Development Corporation.
“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 renewable energy not just for helping the environment, but for doing our part to improve the health and well-being of Kagayanons,” said Dr. Rosalinda Deleste, CUMC president.
CUMC was able to connect directly to geothermal energy, the only RE source that can run consistent, 24/7 baseload capacity, through the government’s Green Energy Option Program (GEOP). GEOP enables eligible power users with average peak demand of at least 100 kW over the past 12 months to source 100% of their electricity requirements from RE suppliers.
“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,” said First Gen chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega.
(Story By: Joel Gaborniz)
