The Jollibee Group has switched on 99% renewable electricity to power its commissaries in the Philippines, marking a significant step in strengthening the Company’s renewable energy use and operational resilience. The transition to geothermal energy—enabled through renewable electricity from First Gen—forms part of the Company’s broader renewable energy program and builds on earlier initiatives, including the integration of solar power in its facilities.
First Gen is the leading renewable energy company in the country and supplies the Jollibee Group with 11 megawatts (MW) of electricity from its geothermal power plants. By sourcing geothermal electricity, the Jollibee Group expects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 70% across its covered sites, delivering a material reduction in emissions in line with the Company’s Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda.
To mark the milestone, the Jollibee Group and First Gen held a ceremonial switch-on on January 29 at the Jollibee Group’s commissary in Laguna, bringing together company leaders and local stakeholders to formally commence the use of renewable electricity at the facility.
Back in 2023, the Jollibee Group tapped First Gen to install 17,000 solar panels with more than 9 MW of capacity at its commissaries and distribution sites in Paranaque and Laguna, as well as a Remote Energy Monitoring System to optimize electricity usage at the logistics hub. These projects were completed in 2024.
Supporting Global Growth with Renewable Energy
Michael Ong, President for Manufacturing and Logistics of the Jollibee Group, emphasized the importance of the milestone in strengthening operational resilience.
“Switching our commissaries to 99% renewable electricity enables us to build a sustainable and reliable energy foundation for our growing operations. This transition reduces our environmental footprint whilst ensuring energy stability – benefits that are meaningful not only today but well into the future.”
The transition also strengthens the energy foundation supporting the Group’s global expansion, ensuring growth is underpinned by stable, renewable power.
Driving the Company’s Purpose
Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and Global Head of the Jollibee Brand, said the shift reflects how operational decisions support the Company’s purpose as it continues to scale.
“At the Jollibee Group, our purpose is to spread joy through superior taste. And for me, that purpose has always gone beyond what’s on the plate. Behind every meal we serve is a long chain of work that begins in our commissaries. How we power these facilities matters. By shifting to renewable energy, we are ensuring our operations remain reliable and consistent as we grow.”
Enabling Clean, Reliable Power
First Gen Chief Customer Engagement Officer Carlo Vega welcomed the renewed partnership, noting the company’s journey with the Jollibee Group to help achieve its goal of shifting to clean, dependable energy.
“The shift to geothermal and solar electricity reflects the Jollibee Group’s disciplined approach to growth—investing in reliable energy systems that strengthen operations today and support expansion across its Philippine and global footprint. We are proud to support the Jollibee Group as it progresses in its sustainability journey. We look forward to our continued partnership as the group moves from sustainability and decarbonization to a regenerative future.”
The milestone is consistent with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy and climate action.
In the Philippine context, geothermal energy is the only renewable energy source with baseload capability, providing a stable supply suited for industrial operations.
