Mets Cold Storage Services Inc. turns to geothermal power to cut emissions. (Photo: Mets)
The Philippines’ leading cold-storage operator, Mets, has partnered with First Gen Corp., the country’s largest geothermal energy supplier, to power the energy-intensive sector with renewable energy, seeking both cost savings and lower emissions.
Cold storage expansion meets energy transition goals
Under the agreement signed on Oct. 3, Mets will source up to 2.05 MW of electricity from the Mount Apo Geothermal Power Plant, operated by Energy Development Corp. (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen Corp. The renewable supply will cover the company’s current power needs and support its planned expansion.
The facility, with a storage capacity of over 7,100 metric tons, is part of Mets’ growing nationwide cold-chain network.
“This partnership with First Gen allows us to ensure a stable power supply for our cold-storage facilities while supporting our goal of using clean, renewable energy,” said Donna Robles, Mets’ Chief Operating Officer.
Mets Cold Storage Services signed a renewable-energy supply deal with First Gen Corp. on Oct. 3. (Photo: Power Philippines)
A key player in the Philippines’ cold-storage and logistics market, Mets offers temperature-controlled warehousing, blast freezing, and toll-processing services, providing more than 100,000 pallet positions across its network. The company secured a USD 120 million investment last year to fund its expansion plans.
The country’s cold-chain industry is projected to grow to USD 1.5 billion by 2026 and reach USD 1.7 billion by 2027, fueled by rising demand from the food, pharmaceutical, and logistics sectors. As energy costs climb, operators are increasingly turning to renewable sources to cut expenses and strengthen sustainability credentials.
Geothermal capacity scales up in the Philippines and the region
“Clean and reliable power is vital for cold-storage operations that keep food and medicine safe,” said Arlene Sy-Soriano, Assistant Vice President at First Gen Corp. “This collaboration with Mets Cold Storage underscores how geothermal energy can enhance both sustainability and reliability in the cold-chain sector.”
The partnership also reflects First Gen’s broader strategy to expand its geothermal leadership both domestically and overseas. The company operates 13 integrated geothermal power plants with a total capacity of 1,200 MW, along with hydro, solar, and wind assets with a combined capacity of more than 400 MW.
First Gen Corp., which operates 13 geothermal power stations in the Philippines, plans further expansion across the region. (Photo: First Gen)
To accelerate the energy transition, First Gen plans to invest around USD 20 billion over the next five years to expand its power portfolio to 13 GW, both in the Philippines and overseas. Its regional ambitions are underscored by a USD 2 billion joint geothermal project in Indonesia, which aims to build six power plants with a total capacity of 440 MW.
The Philippines ranks as the world’s third-largest geothermal power producer, behind the U.S. and Indonesia, with an installed capacity of approximately 1.9 GW, accounting for 14.6% of the national electricity mix. Geothermal energy, with its round-the-clock output and minimal carbon footprint, continues to play a crucial role in the region’s low-carbon energy transition.
Source: Manila Times, Power Philippines, BusinessWorld, Forbes
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