DUMAGUETE CITY: The Silliman University Medical Center (SUMC) has advanced its commitment to sustainability by entering a 15-year solar power agreement with First Gen Corp., a move aimed at enhancing its renewable energy consumption. This agreement, signed on Thursday, also marks the renewal of SUMC’s partnership with First Gen for a direct supply of renewable energy through the government’s Green Energy Option Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement allows SUMC to procure 800 kilowatts (kW) of electricity from the Palinpinon geothermal power plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental, which is operated by Energy Development Corp., a subsidiary of First Gen. In addition to this, SUMC has installed a rooftop solar power facility funded by First Gen, which consists of 840 solar panels and generates up to 462 kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electricity.

Fredita Tan, president and administrator of SUMC, noted that the partnership with First Gen has led to a significant reduction in their electricity consump
tion, although specific figures were not disclosed. Tan highlighted that the hospital has been utilizing clean and renewable geothermal energy for two years and anticipates further reductions in electricity costs with the new solar power agreement.

First Gen has projected that SUMC will save a minimum of PHP300,000 monthly, translating to about PHP1 per kilowatt hour. Beyond financial savings, the hospital has also reduced its carbon footprint, monitored through a Remote Energy Monitoring System provided by Pi Energy, a First Gen affiliate. This system optimizes energy usage and is complemented by an Energy Audit to ensure efficiency.

Carlo Vega, Vice President of First Gen, stressed the energy-intensive nature of hospitals and the importance of minimizing carbon emissions. “We’re not just selling energy; we’re helping customers manage their consumption prudently,” Vega stated.

While SUMC remains connected to the grid via the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative, it no longer depends on it for power. Af
ter 15 years, ownership of the solar power system will be transferred to SUMC. This partnership is in line with Silliman University’s broader sustainability objectives and demonstrates the potential of the Green Energy Option Program to empower eligible power consumers.

First Gen, recognized as the country’s leading renewable energy producer, operates 28 solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal plants with a total installed capacity of 1,651 megawatts (MW). Alongside its natural gas plants, the company delivers 3,668 MW of low-carbon power, contributing to energy security and grid stability.