Geothermal Power in the Western United States: A Transmission and Planning Roadmap to 2030 Introduction The Western United States is approaching a decisive period for geothermal power. Electricity demand is rising because of data centers, industrial electrification, population growth, electric vehicles and the replacement of retiring fossil-fuel generation. At the same time, utilities are under growing pressure to add clean resources that can operate reliably when solar and wind output declines. Geothermal power is well positioned to fill this role. Unlike weather-dependent generation, geothermal plants can provide firm electricity for long periods, support grid reliability and reduce the amount of storage required in deeply decarbonized power systems. However, the industry’s expansion will depend on more than subsurface heat and drilling technology. By 2030, transmission access, resource planning, project finance, permitting and utility procurement will determine whether geothermal be...
First Gen Powers Robinsons Malls with 22 MW of Geothermal Energy: A Leap Towards Sustainable Retail in the Philippines
By: Robert Buluma
The Scope of the Deal
The agreement covers a total of eight malls and one supermarket, including some of the most prominent RLC properties in the Visayas and Mindanao:
- Robinsons Galleria Cebu
- Robinsons Fuente Cebu
- Robinsons Roxas
- Robinsons North Tacloban
- Robinsons Pagadian
- Robinsons Ormoc
- Robinsons Tacloban
- Shopwise in Cebu City
The 22 MW of geothermal power will be sourced from two of First Gen’s well-established geothermal facilities. Electricity for the Visayas malls will come from the Unified Leyte geothermal facilities, while Mindanao malls will draw power from the Mt. Apo geothermal plant in North Cotabato. Both facilities are part of the company’s portfolio of renewable energy assets and demonstrate First Gen’s strategic regional presence.
Aligning with Net Zero Goals
The partnership reflects the Gokongwei Group’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, a goal increasingly embraced by large corporations in the Philippines and worldwide. By integrating geothermal energy into its operations, RLC can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, cut electricity costs, and demonstrate leadership in sustainable retail practices.
Currently, about 10–15% of RLC’s power consumption comes from renewable sources, including 30 MW of rooftop solar, which already supplies over 40% of the energy needs of its malls. The addition of geothermal energy will further enhance the company’s renewable energy mix, improving both cost efficiency and environmental performance.
Understanding Geothermal Power in the Philippines
Geothermal energy is one of the Philippines’ most abundant and reliable renewable energy sources. The country sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active region that provides ideal conditions for geothermal energy generation. As of recent reports, the Philippines ranks second in the world for installed geothermal capacity, just behind the United States.
First Gen has been a pioneer in this sector. The company operates 1,700 MW of renewable capacity across 30 plants, including geothermal, hydro, and solar projects. To ensure grid stability, it also maintains stakes in four gas-fired plants totaling 2,017 MW, providing essential baseload support when renewable generation fluctuates.
The Unified Leyte and Mt. Apo geothermal plants, which will power RLC malls, are among the country’s most efficient and reliable geothermal facilities. Unified Leyte, located in the Visayas, has long been recognized for its stable output and minimal environmental footprint. Meanwhile, Mt. Apo, situated in North Cotabato, is not only a significant geothermal source but also strategically positioned to support Mindanao’s energy needs.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
The deal is poised to deliver significant benefits, both economically and environmentally. For Robinsons malls, the integration of geothermal energy translates into lower electricity bills and more predictable energy costs, insulating the business from fluctuating fossil fuel prices. Additionally, it enhances the malls’ reputation as environmentally conscious spaces, appealing to increasingly eco-aware consumers.
From a broader perspective, the deal helps the Philippines reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to the country’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Geothermal energy, unlike coal or oil, generates electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. By scaling up geothermal consumption, major corporations like RLC play a critical role in promoting sustainable development in urban centers.
The Role of First Gen
First Gen has consistently demonstrated leadership in renewable energy development. The company’s geothermal, hydro, and solar plants collectively provide a substantial share of the Philippines’ clean energy capacity. Its approach to sustainability goes beyond energy production; it also emphasizes community engagement, environmental stewardship, and local employment opportunities.
By supplying RLC malls with geothermal energy, First Gen strengthens its position as a reliable partner for large-scale commercial energy users. The deal also reflects the company’s strategic vision of expanding its renewable energy footprint while supporting national climate goals.
Retail and Sustainability: A Growing Trend
Globally, retailers are increasingly adopting renewable energy solutions to reduce operational costs and meet sustainability expectations. Shopping malls, in particular, are energy-intensive, often operating around the clock with large air-conditioning loads and extensive lighting. Transitioning to renewable sources like geothermal energy represents both a financial and environmental win for these establishments.
In the Philippines, RLC is among the pioneers in embracing renewable energy in retail. The company has already invested in rooftop solar and energy efficiency programs, and the geothermal partnership further consolidates its green credentials. Consumers are increasingly drawn to businesses that demonstrate environmental responsibility, making this initiative a smart branding move as well.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the benefits of geothermal energy are clear, there are operational challenges to consider. Geothermal plants require careful management to maintain sustainable output and avoid environmental degradation. Infrastructure development, such as transmission lines connecting the plants to commercial facilities, also requires significant planning and investment.
However, partnerships like the one between First Gen and RLC demonstrate how these challenges can be successfully addressed. By leveraging First Gen’s expertise and RLC’s commitment to sustainability, both parties can navigate operational complexities while achieving long-term benefits.
Moreover, this deal may encourage other commercial operators in the Philippines to explore renewable energy solutions. As more corporations integrate geothermal, solar, and wind energy into their operations, the country’s overall carbon emissions will decrease, and the renewable energy market will continue to grow.
Future Outlook
The RLC-First Gen partnership sets a precedent for the integration of renewable energy in the Philippine retail sector. As the country pushes toward its 2050 net-zero target, collaborations between energy producers and commercial enterprises will be key to achieving scalable and sustainable energy solutions.
Looking ahead, there is potential for further expansion. First Gen could supply additional malls and retail centers across the Philippines, while RLC could continue increasing its renewable energy adoption. This symbiotic relationship could serve as a model for other countries in the region facing similar energy and sustainability challenges.
Additionally, the deal highlights the importance of diversifying renewable energy sources. While solar and wind are increasingly popular, geothermal provides a stable, baseload-capable energy source that can operate continuously regardless of weather conditions. This makes it a particularly attractive option for commercial operations requiring reliable power supply.
Conclusion
The March 13, 2026, agreement between First Gen and Robinsons Land Corporation is more than a business deal—it is a strategic move toward sustainable energy and corporate responsibility in the Philippines. By supplying 22 MW of geothermal energy to key malls in the Visayas and Mindanao, First Gen and RLC are setting a powerful example of how renewable energy can be effectively integrated into commercial operations.
This partnership underscores the potential of geothermal energy to drive sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions, and promote economic growth. It also reinforces the Philippines’ position as a global leader in renewable energy, particularly geothermal power.
As more corporations follow RLC’s lead and embrace renewable energy, the country moves closer to a cleaner, greener future. For consumers, it is a promise that the spaces they frequent—malls, supermarkets, and entertainment centers—are powered by sustainable energy. For the energy sector, it is a validation of the role that geothermal power plays in meeting the Philippines’ growing electricity demand while safeguarding the environment.
Ultimately, the collaboration between First Gen and Robinsons Land Corporation represents a win-win scenario: reliable, renewable energy for businesses, reduced environmental impact for communities, and a stronger, more sustainable energy future for the Philippines.
See also: Fervo Energy Secures $421M Non-Recourse Financing for Cape Station – A Geothermal Breakthrough
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Source: Abs_Cbn, Business Inquire,Global renewables
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