First Gen Corporation has advanced its clean energy portfolio by teaming up with Grand Union Supermarket Inc. to deploy solar power systems at specific South Supermarket locations in Laguna and Bulacan.
According to an announcement from the Lopez-owned power firm last week, Grand Union has launched solar-powered operations at select locations following the completion of its initial solar carport setups in May.
The infrastructure was finalized roughly a year after building commenced, and about 18 months after the initial partnership was signed in January 2025.
Spanning the parking areas of South Supermarket locations in Los Baños, Laguna, and Malolos City, Bulacan, the project features over 1,600 photovoltaic panels. Together, these installations boast a combined capacity of one megawatt-peak (MWp).
First Gen projects that transitioning to solar power at these two grocery hubs will avert roughly 527 tons of carbon emissions stemming from power consumption. The energy firm highlighted that this ecological impact equates to the yearly carbon dioxide absorption of over 24,200 trees.
“South Supermarket’s management has also noted a reduction in electricity costs, most evident during peak solar generation periods in the daytime, which aligns with its business hours. The cost savings will in turn enable the supermarket chain to offer customers better deals and improve the shopping experience,” First Gen said.
Mark Malabanan, First Gen Energy Solutions Inc. vice president for solar and commercial business development, emphasized that the new solar setups have successfully curbed operational expenses while fostering eco-friendly operations within the supermarkets’ local communities.
Founded in 1967 as an independent, family-run business, Grand Union currently manages 13 South Supermarket outlets nationwide.
On the other hand, First Gen operates a network of 31 power generation plants driven by diverse clean energy sources, including geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar power.