Jollibee Group Switches Philippine Commissaries to 99% Renewable Energy – Powered by Geothermal from First Gen!

The Jollibee Group, the powerhouse behind the iconic fast-food chain loved across the Philippines and beyond, has taken a massive step toward sustainability. 

By:Robert Buluma

In a groundbreaking move announced in early February 2026, the company has shifted 99% of the electricity needs for its Philippine commissaries to renewable geothermal power supplied by First Gen Corporation.

This isn't just a small tweak,it's a major leap in reducing environmental impact while keeping the joy flowing through millions of meals daily.

What Are Commissaries and Why Do They Matter?

Commissaries are the large-scale food production and distribution hubs where Jollibee prepares ingredients, sauces, patties, and other essentials before sending them to thousands of stores. These facilities consume substantial energy for refrigeration, cooking, processing, and logistics—making them prime targets for greener upgrades.

By going renewable here, Jollibee tackles emissions at the source of its supply chain, where the footprint is often heaviest.

The Partnership with First Gen: Geothermal Power Takes Center Stage

First Gen Corp., a leading renewable energy player in the Philippines under the Lopez Group, is supplying 11 megawatts (MW) of geothermal electricity from its Bac-Man geothermal power plants in the Bicol region.

Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth's natural heat—steam and hot water from underground reservoirs—to generate reliable, baseload power. Unlike solar or wind, which can fluctuate, geothermal provides consistent output 24/7, making it ideal for energy-intensive industrial operations like commissaries.

This deal builds on an earlier collaboration from 2023, when First Gen installed over 17,000 solar panel (more than 9 MW capacity) at Jollibee's sites in Parañaque and Laguna. Together, the geothermal and solar contributions push the total renewable supply to around 20 MW for these facilities, achieving that impressive 99% renewable threshold. The remaining 1% likely covers any backup or specific needs.

A Big Win for the Planet: Over 70% Emissions Cut

The impact is substantial. By sourcing this clean energy, Jollibee Group expects to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 70% across the covered commissaries and logistics sites.

In a country where coal still dominates the power mix, switching to geothermal—a domestically abundant, low-carbon resource—helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports national climate goals. The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, giving it world-class geothermal potential, and partnerships like this accelerate its use.

Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and global head of the Jollibee brand, captured the bigger picture:

 “At the Jollibee Group, our purpose is to spread joy through superior taste. And for me, that purpose has always gone beyond what’s on the plate. Behind every meal we serve is a long chain of work that begins in our commissaries. How we power these facilities matters. By shifting to renewable energy, we are ensuring our operations remain reliable and consistent as we grow.”

This statement reflects a growing trend among corporations: aligning business growth with environmental responsibility.

Why Geothermal Stands Out in the Renewables Mix

Geothermal isn't new to the Philippines,it's one of the world's top producers but its application in corporate supply chains highlights innovation. Key advantages include:

-Baseload reliability: Constant power, no weather dependency.

-Low emissions: Near-zero CO₂ during operation compared to coal or gas.

- Local resource: Supports energy security and economic development in regions like Bicol.

First Gen, through its subsidiary Energy Development Corporation (EDC), operates extensive geothermal assets, including the Bac-Man facilities, which have been key players since the 1990s (with upgrades over time).

This partnership shows how renewables can scale for large consumers, inspiring other industries—from manufacturing to retail—to follow suit.

Broader Implications for Jollibee and the Food Industry

Jollibee isn't stopping at power. The company has long emphasized sustainability under its "Joyful, Sustainable" framework, including waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and community programs. This renewable energy milestone strengthens its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credentials, as seen in regional awards recognizing Philippine firms for such initiatives.

For the fast-food sector globally, where supply chains contribute heavily to emissions, Jollibee's move sets a benchmark. It proves that even high-volume operations can transition to clean energy without compromising efficiency or taste.

As Jollibee continues expanding—both in the Philippines and internationally—this geothermal-powered foundation ensures more sustainable growth.

Looking Ahead: A Greener Future for Filipino Favorites

In an era of climate urgency, actions like this matter. Jollibee's shift to 99% geothermal power isn't just about one company—it's a signal that big brands can drive change, reduce carbon footprints, and still deliver the Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti, and Peach Mango Pie that Filipinos (and fans worldwide) crave.

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Kudos to Jollibee Group and First Gen for showing that spreading joy and protecting the planet can go hand in hand. What's next? Perhaps more renewable integrations, electric delivery fleets, or even geothermal-powered stores. The future looks delicious—and cleaner.

Sources: Official announcements from Jollibee Group and First Gen, reports from Philippine Star, Inquirer Business, BusinessWorld, and others (February 2026)

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