EDC Celebrates Milestone Achievements in Bicol’s Geothermal Energy

Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen, is reaffirming its position as one of the Philippines’ top renewable energy players with its award-winning geothermal projects in Bicol.

The 197.27-megawatt (MW) Bac-Man Geothermal Power Plant, operated by Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. (BGI), recently received recognition at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Sustainable Energy Awards, which honor exceptional contributions in advancing the country’s clean energy targets.

“This award comes at an opportune time for us at First Gen-EDC,” said Erwin Avante, EDC’s chief financial officer. “In 2026, we are celebrating our 50 years–half a century of geothermal excellence, and Bac-Man, which was commissioned in 1993, is part of that continuing legacy.”

The Bac-Man geothermal steam field, spanning Manito, Albay, and Bacon, Sorsogon, has been supplying steam to the power plant since 1993. When First Gen-EDC acquired the facility, its output had fallen to zero after a severe typhoon. After a comprehensive upgrade and modernization effort, the plant was restored to full operating capacity in just two years, demonstrating resilience and operational excellence.

In 2020, when Tropical Storm Rolly disrupted electricity in Bicol amid the COVID-19 pandemic, BGI offered its services beyond contractual obligations. Its “islanding operations” helped restore power and stability, ensuring communities could recover quickly from overlapping crises.

(Also read: PH Powers Up Clean Energy with $170M Geothermal Boost)

Expanding Clean Energy Capacity

EDC’s commitment to continuous growth is evident in recent and upcoming projects. BGI launched the 28.9-MW Palayan Binary Geothermal Power Plant in 2024 and the 22-MW Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant in 2025. Complementing these are 20-MWh battery energy storage systems that became operational in September 2025, further strengthening the reliability of EDC’s clean energy output.

“We remain committed to providing the country with indigenous, clean, renewable and 24/7 energy and Bac-Man’s recent expansion projects in the last two years are a testament to this commitment,” Avante said.

Across the Philippines, EDC operates a diversified renewable portfolio, including 1,094.8 MW of geothermal, 132 MW of hydroelectric, 150 MW of wind, and 12 MW of solar capacity, totaling 1,388.8 MW of sustainable power. With plans to invest around P19 billion for further geothermal expansion both domestically and abroad in 2026, the company is positioning itself to meet growing energy demands and reinforce national energy security.

(Also read: Updated FIT Rates Set to Power the Next Wave of Renewable Projects)

Recognition Beyond Borders

EDC’s sustainability efforts have earned recognition not only locally but across the region. At the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards in Kuala Lumpur in November, EDC received a gold award for renewable energy in recognition of its Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant, one of the country’s most enduring geothermal installations.

“We are grateful for this award not only because it is for our company but more so because it recognizes our valuable contribution to protecting the environment, as we power our growing economy with clean, renewable 24/7 geothermal energy,” said Allan Barcena, assistant vice president and head of corporate support functions at First Gen-EDC.

Additionally, EDC received a silver award in biodiversity conservation for its Binhi program, which protects forests and safeguards threatened native species. These recognitions highlight EDC’s holistic approach, combining energy development with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

The Star Media Group organized the event, celebrating companies across Southeast Asia that excel in environmental, social, and governance practices. The awarding ceremony aimed not only to honor top performers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, but also to encourage wider industry transformation and the sharing of sustainability best practices.

Winners had first been recognized in their home countries, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s ESG Edge Impact Awards, The Star’s ESG Positive Impact Awards in Malaysia, and KG Media’s Lestari Awards in Indonesia.

Aside from EDC, among the Philippine companies that advanced to the regional stage were Globe Telecom Inc., Ayala Land Inc., ACEN Corp., Bank of Philippine Islands, Jollibee Food Corp., Tata Consultancy Services Inc., Far Eastern University Alabang, Mr. DIY Philippines, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd., and Assist (Asia Society for Social Improvement & Sustainable Transformation). Their recognition underscores the growing importance of ESG initiatives in shaping sustainable business practices.

Sources:

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/12/23/edc-receives-award-for-geothermal-plant

https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/12/20/2495518/edc-upbeat-geothermal-prospects

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2139174/12-ph-companies-hailed-for-esg-initiatives-in-regional-awards