Capitol University Medical Center Transitions to Geothermal Energy with First Gen Partnership

Strategic renewable energy collaboration reshapes Mindanao’s healthcare power landscape

Capitol University Medical Center, operating as one of Mindanao’s premier private medical institutions with 200 beds, has finalized a major energy transition initiative. The facility now draws power directly from geothermal sources through a collaboration with First Gen Corp., a leading renewable energy producer in the Philippines.

The arrangement channels 900 kilowatts of geothermal energy to the medical center, meeting the electricity demands of its core operations, the Kidney Institute, and specialized care units. This energy originates from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant located in Cotabato, which operates under First Gen’s subsidiary, Energy Development Corp.

Why geothermal matters for healthcare institutions

The partnership leverages First Gen’s Green Energy Option Program, a framework designed for power consumers averaging peak demands exceeding 100 kilowatts to directly procure renewable electricity. Hospitals represent ideal clients for geothermal supply chains due to their continuous operational requirements and stable consumption patterns.

According to First Gen’s Chief Customer Engagement Officer Carlo L. Vega, “Geothermal energy delivers the reliability that hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and large enterprises demand from their renewable power sources.” Unlike intermittent solar or wind options, geothermal provides baseload power—a critical advantage for institutions where operational interruptions carry significant consequences.

First Gen’s renewable infrastructure footprint

The company currently manages over 1,700 megawatts of renewable capacity distributed across 22+ facilities spanning geothermal, wind, solar, and hydropower technologies. Beyond Mt. Apo, First Gen operates a 1.6-MW run-of-river mini-hydro project in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, which harnesses flow from the Agusan River.

The company’s expansion pipeline includes two hydroelectric developments: the 32-MW Bubunawan Hydro project in Libong, Bukidnon and the 40-MW San Isidro Hydroelectric Power Project in Cagayan de Oro. Across all technologies—natural gas, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar—First Gen maintains total installed capacity of 3,696 megawatts.

Environmental and operational significance

Capitol University Medical Center President Rosalinda R. Deleste highlighted the symbolism: “This marks our transition as Mindanao’s first major medical facility powered directly by regionally-sourced geothermal energy, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship while serving our community’s health needs.”

The arrangement exemplifies how institutional energy consumers increasingly recognize renewable sourcing not merely as environmental compliance, but as operational strategy supporting long-term sustainability goals and brand positioning.