Key takeaways:
- First Gen Corp. prioritizing 1,200 MW Santa Maria natural gas plant to meet Luzon grid demand
- Santa Maria plant designed to complement renewable sources with natural gas for stability
- Plant uses advanced technology for efficiency and reduced fuel consumption
- Natural gas seen as a bridge fuel until cleaner energy sources are viable
- Project supports Philippine Energy Plan’s goal of increasing natural gas use in power generation.
First Gen Corp. (FGEN) is prioritizing the development of its 1,200-megawatt (MW) Santa Maria natural gas-fired power plant, according to its annual report.
The plant is designed to provide additional capacity and stability to the Luzon grid, complementing intermittent renewable energy sources with natural gas. This approach aims to meet the anticipated growth in electricity demand.
The report says the Santa Maria plant will use cutting-edge gas turbine technology to get the most power out of its fuel and minimize what it burns.
FGEN, a subsidiary of the Lopez Group, currently operates four gas-powered plants with a total capacity of 2,000 MW. The company sees natural gas as a bridge fuel until cleaner energy sources become more viable for the national grid.
The company’s LNG unit, FGEN LNG, is also contributing to the country’s energy goals by developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. The terminal recently completed commissioning activities and has already received LNG cargoes.
LNG is considered a crucial component of the Philippine Energy Plan, aiming to increase the natural gas share in power generation to 26% by 2040. Compared to traditional fossil fuels, LNG offers lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to improved air quality and public health.©️
Business Bayani PH 
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