Globe Telecom Advances Net Zero Ambition in Partnership with First Gen on Renewable Energy

To advance its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Globe Telecom has renewed its strategic partnership with First Gen Corporation, a leading power generation company providing clean and renewable energy in the Philippines.

Globe recently signed a supply agreement with First Gen Corporation (First Gen) to provide renewable energy for one of Globe's key network facilities and a data center operated by its subsidiary ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines) [STT GDC Philippines] from the Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant in Leyte.

The partnership will help to increase Globe's Renewable Energy (RE) sites through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) under Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) and the Green Energy Option Program. 

Globe intends to raise the number of facilities powered by renewable energy from 29 to roughly 70 within the next two years, more than doubling its clean energy use. First Gen, a significant collaborator since 2020, is one of its partners in this endeavor. 

“Globe and First Gen share the same vision of a decarbonized and regenerative future where sustainability is ingrained into the organization and operations. We are pleased to continue our partnership and are committed to supporting Globe as it journeys towards greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact,” said Carlos Lorenzo Vega, Vice President for Power Marketing, Economics, and Trading of First Gen.

Raymond Martin Aguilar, Globe’s Vice President for Risk and Property Management, added: "At Globe, sustainability and risk management are core strategies for building business resilience. This partnership with First Gen is a testament to our dedication to these principles."

Globe, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) Philippines, and First Gen recently signed a ceremonial agreement to embrace renewable energy not just for Globe's energy-intensive facilities, but also for STT GDC Philippines' data centers in Cavite.
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The telecom industry, with its high energy consumption, particularly at core sites, is critical in today's digital age. Globe's Scope 2 emissions, which stem from power usage, have historically accounted for an average of 30% of its overall Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. 
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To achieve its net-zero goal, Globe took the brave step of converting its sites to renewable energy beginning in 2019, despite the fact that RE is limited and more expensive than fossil fuels. By year-end 2023, approximately 18% of the total energy consumption of Globe, is now powered by RE, avoiding an estimated 77,000 metric tons of GHG emissions. 

“As the first publicly-listed company in the Philippines to have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), this partnership fuels us in our pursuit of our net zero ambitions by greening the network and partnering with sustainability-driven companies,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. 
 
Globe remains at the forefront of environmental sustainability in the Philippine telecom sector, actively engaging stakeholders and advocating for industry practices that promote sustainability.