TABACO CITY — Marking a pivotal breakthrough for the Philippines’ climate change mitigation efforts, First Gen Corporation’s 100% renewable energy subsidiary, Energy Development Corporation (First Gen-EDC), inaugurated its 22-megawatt Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant worth PhP7 billion at the Bac-Man Complex in Sorsogon City on Friday, August 1.
This groundbreaking project is expected to deliver a triple win for the Philippines: generating 159,000 MWh of clean energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by over 38,000 tons, and creating a ripple effect of economic benefits for the local community. It is seen to contribute to national economic growth, enhance energy security, and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
According to Jerome H. Cainglet, EDC President and Chief Operating Officer, the Tanawon project addresses a critical concern for the country’s energy security by providing a reliable and constant 24/7 supply of renewable energy to the grid.
“At First Gen, we’re committed to developing more innovative renewable energy projects, showcasing the vast potential of geothermal energy and its role in powering a sustainable future,” Cainglet said.
Department of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, who attended the inauguration, emphasized that the Tanawon project aligns with the country’s sustainable development strategy, which prioritizes balancing economic growth with environmental protection—in line with President Marcos’ vision of integrating climate action and energy security.
She highlighted that under the Philippine Energy Plan, the government aims to increase the share of renewables in the power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Geothermal energy—including what’s in Bac-Man—is part of that plan. It is available 24/7, sourced indigenously, and emits close to zero carbon.
“For an archipelagic country prone to both natural disasters and fuel price volatility, this is an asset we cannot afford to underutilize,” Garin said.
Tanawon is the culmination of 25 years of persistence, innovation, and unwavering faith in the transformative power of geothermal energy. From the first well drilled in 2000, EDC has navigated the complexities of geothermal development, driven by a steadfast vision, technical excellence, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Cainglet acknowledged that generating power from steam is becoming increasingly challenging even though it is widely recognized as a vital source of constant, low-carbon energy due to high costs, limited access, and environmental considerations.
He noted that while the Philippines is the world’s third-largest geothermal energy producer, the country has only tapped into about half of its estimated 4,000 MW geothermal potential.
With EDC’s perseverance, strong public-private collaboration, and the leadership of the Department of Energy, the 22 MW Tanawon project is now supplying power to the Luzon grid.
“We took our time to develop the Tanawon resource, waiting for the right technology to maximize energy output without harming the environment. This is how we work with nature,” Cainglet said.
The EDC Tanawon Project Team successfully developed a compact, high-efficiency facility through collaboration with affiliate First Balfour, which led the construction, and Toshiba, which deployed its cutting-edge Geoportable technology—a pioneering achievement as this is the first installation of its kind in the Philippines and only the fifth globally.
The Tanawon plant significantly contributes to the Philippines’ renewable energy targets of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. Its recognition as an Energy Project of National Significance and its award under the DOE’s Third Green Energy Auction Program (GEA-3) underscore its potential to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
“We will help bring our power customers closer to their decarbonization and net-zero goals,” Cainglet said.
Aligned with EDC’s vision of a decarbonized Philippines, Cainglet revealed that they are pushing forward with new projects. With the country aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2040, EDC is exploring untapped geothermal potential in Bac-Man—on top of three other ongoing growth projects outside Bac-Man expected to be completed by 2025.
EDC also has ongoing initiatives, including battery energy storage systems and new geothermal plants in Leyte, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental, all slated for completion within the year.
“We remain committed to powering a sustainable future,” Cainglet said.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Sorsogon Congresswoman Marie Bernadette G. Escudero, Provincial Administrator Eric Ravanilla, Sorsogon Mayor Ester E. Hamor, EDC Vice Chairman and CEO Francis Giles B. Puno, DOE Undersecretary Mylene Capongcol, Assistant Secretary Ronald Conquilla, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines President and CEO Anthony L. Almeda, Bacman Facility Head Marcel Rosario, and other national and local government partners.| Hannah Franchezka Boragay, Nico Jaymalin
