WalterMart Taps 47 MW of Geothermal Power From First Gen — A Major Win for the Philippines’ Clean Energy Transition
By: Robert Buluma
Image credit: First Gen Corporation
WalterMart, one of the Philippines’ most recognizable retail groups, has taken another bold step toward a low-carbon future. The company has expanded its clean energy partnership with First Gen Corporation, securing 47 megawatts of geothermal power to supply 47 WalterMart malls, retail outlets, and hotels across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon.
Through this agreement, WalterMart reinforces its position as a retail leader embracing renewable energy at scale—sending a strong signal to other major chains that the shift toward green power is no longer optional, but strategic.
A Retail Giant Powered by Geothermal Energy
The 47-MW supply will come from the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant, operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), First Gen’s geothermal subsidiary and one of the world’s largest producers of geothermal energy.
WalterMart Chairman Abraham Uypeckcuat emphasized that the partnership supports the company’s long-term sustainability framework:
“The commitment to clean power enables our malls to operate responsibly and efficiently, reducing our carbon footprint while creating a greener future for the communities we serve.”
The agreement covers a wide range of WalterMart-associated establishments, including:
- W Department Store
- WalterMart Supermarket
- Abenson branches
- Citadines Bay City Manila
- Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila
First Gen President Giles Puno reaffirmed the company’s commitment to support WalterMart’s growth with reliable renewable energy.
“We are happy to support the WalterMart journey to power their community malls with 100% RE,” he said.
Solar + Geothermal: A Dual-Renewable Strategy
This is not WalterMart’s first step toward sustainability. The company began rolling out solar systems in its community malls in 2019. By the end of 2025, 25 out of 45 WalterMart malls will host rooftop solar installations totaling 27 MWp, helping the chain meet its target of sourcing 20% of its energy from solar.
Now, with geothermal added to its energy mix, WalterMart is adopting a dual-renewable approach that ensures:
- 24/7 baseload power from geothermal
- Peak-daytime generation from solar
- Significant reduction in carbon emissions
- Lower exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices
This model could become a blueprint for other Philippine retailers aiming for energy security and sustainability.
First Gen’s Expanding Renewable Portfolio
First Gen and its parent company, First Philippine Holdings Corporation, continue to scale their renewable portfolio. With more than 1,700 MW of geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar assets, First Gen remains one of the country’s foremost renewable energy providers.
Its subsidiary Pi Energy also supports commercial partners through:
- On-site solar systems
- Remote monitoring technology
- Energy efficiency solutions
The WalterMart–First Gen partnership aligns with the Philippines’ accelerated push toward a clean energy economy—showing how private sector leadership can fast-track the country’s renewable transition.
Will Other Retail Chains Follow?
WalterMart’s decisive shift toward geothermal and solar sends a powerful message across the Philippine retail landscape.
Major retail groups like SM, Robinsons, Puregold, and Ayala-owned stores may soon feel greater pressure to mirror these sustainability commitments, especially as consumers increasingly gravitate toward brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Whether for brand reputation, long-term cost stability, or corporate ESG compliance, the trend is clear: renewable-powered retail spaces are becoming the new standard.
Geothermal energy, in particular, offers a competitive advantage—providing reliable, climate-resilient, baseload power that supports 24/7 retail operations without the fluctuations of wind or solar.
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