First Gen, Unilever Philippines renew 10-MW supply deal
Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has secured a fresh 10-megawatt (MW) supply deal to energize seven facilities of Unilever Philippines.
First Gen said in a statement that the renewed agreement with the local unit of global consumer goods manufacturer Unilever PLC was sealed last week.
Under the pact, the renewable energy producer would provide electricity to Unilever’s production and distribution sites located in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas.
According to First Gen, the production facilities manufacture Unilever products under different brands. These include ice creams, sauces and seasonings; beauty, well-being and personal care products; and home care items, among others.
The electricity would be sourced from First Gen’s geothermal power facilities in the Bicol region, Tongonan in Leyte and Palinpinon in Negros Oriental.
Rondell Torres, Unilever sustainability lead, said First Gen has been supplying them with clean power since 2017.
“We are committed to continually use RE (renewable energy) for our factories and facilities to achieve our operational and sustainability ambitions,” Torres said.
“First Gen and Unilever share similar concerns over climate change and are doing our part to help mitigate the risks by choosing to decarbonize,” added Carlo Vega, the power firm’s chief customer engagement officer.
Taiwan-based client
Earlier this month, First Gen also bagged a supply deal with the local subsidiary of Taiwan Fructose Co. Ltd., a global supplier of sweeteners. The agreement is focused on Taiwan Fructose’s logistics facilities in Batangas.
The First Gen group has 28 generating plants that source energy from geothermal, wind, solar and hydropower.
These renewable energy facilities have a combined capacity of more than 1,600 MW. The geothermal power operations account for the bulk, or about 1,289.34 MW, of the total capacity.
Even with five years left until 2030, First Gen still targets to have 13,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by then.
The group also has interests in four gas-fired power plants in Batangas with a total capacity of 2,017 MW.
