A sweeping change is underway at WalterMart malls, signaling a powerful commitment to a sustainable future. The developer is dramatically expanding its partnership with First Gen Corp., moving beyond initial steps to fully power its extensive network with renewable energy.
This isn’t a small shift; it’s a comprehensive agreement to supply 47 megawatts of electricity to all 47 WalterMart malls, alongside W Department Stores, WalterMart Supermarkets, and Abenson outlets spanning Metro Manila, central, and southern Luzon. Even the Citadines Bay City Manila Hotel and Ascott Bonifacio Global City Mall, both part of the WalterMart group, will benefit from this greener power source.
The energy will originate from First Gen’s Unified Leyte Geothermal Power plant, a reliable and consistent source of renewable power operated by its subsidiary, Energy Development Corp. This move ensures a stable, environmentally responsible energy supply for these bustling commercial hubs.
The roots of this collaboration stretch back to 2019, beginning with the strategic installation of on-site solar facilities in WalterMart community malls throughout Luzon. This initial investment laid the groundwork for a much larger, more impactful partnership.
According to WM Shopping Center Chairman Abraham Uypeckcuat, this dedication to clean power isn’t just about reducing environmental impact. It’s about responsible operation, efficiency, and actively building a greener future for the communities WalterMart serves.
Currently, WalterMart boasts 45 community malls across the Philippines, and the pace of change is accelerating. By the end of the year, a remarkable 25 of these malls will be equipped with solar power facilities, collectively generating 27 megawatts of clean energy.
First Gen President Giles B. Puno envisions a continued synergy, stating that his company is prepared to power every future WalterMart expansion with this reliable, baseload renewable energy. They will also continue to support existing solar and energy efficiency programs.
First Gen itself is a significant player in the renewable energy landscape, boasting a total installed capacity of 3,696 megawatts derived from a diverse portfolio of sources – natural gas, geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. This partnership represents a powerful alignment of vision and capability.
