Renewable Energy Powers Healthcare: Capitol University and Power Producer Launch Geothermal Partnership

The collaboration between Capitol University Medical Center and First Gen Corp. represents a significant milestone for sustainable energy adoption in healthcare infrastructure across Mindanao. Under this arrangement, the 200-bed hospital facility—encompassing its specialized Kidney Institute and other advanced care units—will receive 900 kilowatts of consistent geothermal power supply drawn from the Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant operated in Cotabato.

A Pioneering Model for Medical Facilities

Capitol University Medical Center is establishing itself as the first medical institution in Mindanao to directly utilize geothermal energy sourced locally from the region. This partnership leverages the Green Energy Option Program, designed to enable qualifying power consumers averaging at least 100 kilowatts in peak demand to procure renewable energy sources directly. As President Rosalinda R. Deleste noted, this approach aligns healthcare operations with environmental stewardship while improving service delivery to the local communities.

Building Renewable Capacity at Scale

First Gen’s commitment to renewable infrastructure extends well beyond this single agreement. The company currently maintains operational control over more than 1,700 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity deployed across 22 geothermal, wind, solar and hydroelectric power plant model facilities. In addition to the Mt. Apo installation serving Capitol University, First Gen operates a 1.6-MW run-of-river mini-hydro project in Bukidnon that harnesses the Agusan River’s flow dynamics.

Expanding Hydroelectric Portfolio

The company’s growth trajectory includes two major hydroelectric additions in development: the 32-MW Bubunawan Hydro project scheduled for Libong, Bukidnon, and the 40-MW San Isidro Hydroelectric Power Project planned for Cagayan de Oro. Collectively, First Gen’s total installed generation capacity reaches 3,696 MW across natural gas, geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar infrastructure.

Why Geothermal Fits Healthcare Demand

According to First Gen Chief Customer Engagement Officer Carlo L. Vega, geothermal energy delivers the reliability that hospitals, manufacturing operations and commercial enterprises require from renewable supply sources. This characteristic makes the technology particularly suited to institutions where continuous, uninterrupted power is mission-critical.