Negros Occidental: Failed geothermal plant dismantled

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- The Energy Development Corp. (EDC) has started dismantling its geothermal plant in Bago City, Negros Occidental after it failed to generate the target capacity of 49 megawatts to make it viable.

The P8-billion Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant (NNGP) at Barangay Mailum in Bago City was initially projected to produce 49 mW but eventually it only produced about 8 mW.

EDC officials last Monday met with the members of the Provincial Board's environment committee to inform them of the dismantling works of the geothermal plant.

Committee chairman, PB Member Patrick Lacson, said the EDC officials told the PB that the company will however retain facilities and equipment suitable for the available geothermal steam in the area.

The turbines from the Bago plant will be transferred to EDC's Southern Negros Geothermal Production Field (SNGPF) at Palinpinon town in Negros Oriental for use of its 20-mW power plant there. The SNGPF currently produces 192.5 mW of geothermal power, EDC officials said.

In July 2011, EDC has already bared plans of using a smaller power plant that will make its NNGPP operations more efficient. "Rightsizing NNGP is a must to be cost-effective. The size of the plant turbine should match the amount of steam produced," EDC president and COO Richard Tantoco said at the time.

Because of these developments, Lacson said he is now pushing for the review of the compliance of the memorandum of agreement between the provincial government and the EDC, when the latter entered and drilled wells  at the buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.— Danny B. Dangcalan

"EDC failed to get the 49-megawatt targeted capacity despite the fact that they have entered the buffer zone. Part of the MOA is for the company to replenish each tree cut with 100 seedlings," Lacson said.

Lacson added that EDC officials have assured the PB of their continued support for the reforestation program at Mt. Kanlaon as part of the firm's social responsibility programs. (FREEMAN)