In a bid to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, First Gen Corporation, a renewable energy provider in the Philippines, is making significant advances. The company is enhancing its natural gas-fired power plants to run on clean or carbon-free fuel like hydrogen. Federico R. Lopez, the Chairman and CEO, highlighted the importance of these plants due to their flexibility and lower carbon emissions compared to coal-fired plants. The firm is aligning with the Net Zero Carbon Alliance to work on technologies that can extend the shelf life of the gas plants beyond 2050. First Gen plans to develop another gas-fired plant in Batangas alongside its existing portfolio, aiming to reduce the reliance on coal and increase renewable energy sources in the country's energy mix. The Philippine Energy Plan emphasizes the need to shift towards cleaner energy sources like geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar to combat climate change. The company acknowledges the need for grid stability and reliability, especially with intermittent sources like solar and wind. Natural gas is viewed as a transitional fuel that can support the integration of renewable energy. First Gen is optimistic about the future use of hydrogen as a cost-competitive and carbon-free fuel. By focusing on upgrading gas-fired plants and exploring alternative fuels, First Gen aims to ensure a sustainable energy transition. The company's commitment to achieving 100 percent carbon-free fuel in the future aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.