First Gen-Energy Development Corp. (FGEN-EDC) is optimistic in keeping its role in accelerating renewable energy development after the Department of Energy’s recognition of its 197.27-megawatt (MW) Bac-Man Geothermal Power Plant. 

The Lopez-led energy companies said in a joint statement on Friday that the facility in Bicol was recognized under the Renewable Energy Projects in On-Grid Areas category of the DOE’s Sustainable Energy Awards. 

“This award comes at an opportune time for us at First Gen-Energy Development Corporation (First Gen-EDC),” Erwin Avante, EDC’s chief financial officer, said during the awarding ceremony. 

“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,” he added.

The Bac-Man geothermal steamfield spans Manito, Albay, and Bacon, Sorsogon, and has supplied steam to the Bac-Man Geothermal Power Plant since 1993.

The Bac-Man geothermal steamfield in Manito, Albay, and Bacon, Sorsogon, has supplied steam to the Bac-Man Geothermal Power Plant since 1993.

When First Gen-EDC acquired it from PSALM, the plant was at zero output after a typhoon. Through its subsidiary Bac-Man Geothermal, Inc. (BGI), the facility was rehabilitated and restored to full capacity within two years.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and after Super Typhoon Rolly, BGI extended power beyond its contract, helping restore electricity as Bicol’s sole provider.

BGI later added the 28.9-MW Palayan and 22-MW Tanawon plants, with a 20-MW/20-MWh battery system operational since September. In 2024, the Bac-Man plants avoided 953,473 tons of CO₂, supported by First Gen-EDC’s BINHI program protecting over 12,000 hectares of forestland.