EDC pushes more sites for geothermal

MANILA, Philippines — Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is pushing for more geothermal developments in the country to attain energy security amid worsening climate-related challenges.

The islands of Negros and Leyte are making the case for communities fully powered by renewable energy as these two islands host geothermal plants of EDC.

The abundance of renewable energy sources in both islands gives them the edge over other parts of the country. 

For almost 40 years, EDC has been powering the islands with what is considered the “holy grail” of renewable energy sources.

“Since geothermal energy can provide continuous power 24 hours a day, it serves as the best source of baseload power,” said Marvin Kenneth Bailon, head of EDC’s Business Development–Market Planning & Contracts.

To date, EDC has a geothermal capacity of 1,181 megawatts (MW) or 60 percent of the country’s total geothermal output.

“Studies have repeatedly pointed out that the Philippines is the third most vulnerable country to climate-related hazards and we need to take bold action to reverse that. One decisive step we can take is to transform our energy sector, and the islands of Negros and Leyte show that it is possible and now even a reality,” Bailon said.

Most importantly, apart from being more eco-friendly, the EDC official said electricity generated from geothermal sources are helping consumers enjoy more competitively priced power rates.

 The Philippines is currently the world’s third largest producer of geothermal energy after the US and Indonesia. This is largely due to EDC, which accounts for 61 percent of the country’s current installed capacity.

EDC’s 711.4-MW Leyte geothermal project is home to its largest geothermal facility.  It has the biggest wet steam field in the world.

The facility supplies power to Leyte-II Electric Cooperative (LEYECO II) and Leyte-III Electric Cooperative (LEYECO III) in the province of Leyte and several other electric cooperatives in the Visayas region.

On the other hand, EDC’s Southern Negros Geothermal Project (SNGP) supplies 2 MW to Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative, 25 MW to Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative, 20 MW to Central Negros Electric Cooperative and 3MW to Northern Negros Electric Cooperative.

These comprise around 16 percent of the island’s power supply out of its peak demand of 312 MW.

“With the examples set by the provinces of Negros and Leyte, we are optimistic that a greener energy future lies in store for the entire country,” Bailon said.