Group to put up geothermal plant in Biliran | Inquirer Business

Group to put up geothermal plant in Biliran

Project to boost clean energy share in total mix

Biliran Geothermal Inc. (BGI) is on track to develop the next major geothermal power project in the Philippines.

BGI proposes to build a geothermal power plant in the island-province of Biliran in Eastern Visayas. The project, which may have up to 50 megawatts (MW) of capacity, will boost the renewable energy component of the Philippines’ energy mix as coal and other sources grow.

“They hope to start development within the year if possible,” DOE director for Renewable Energy Management Bureau Mario Marasigan said in a text message.

Article continues after this advertisement

Steam tests for the 20-MW Maibarara geothermal project in Batangas shows it is ready for a 10-MW expansion and the DOE hopes there will be other geothermal projects to boost clean energy use in the country.

FEATURED STORIES

“So far, we are looking at Biliran. It needs full confirmation so development has not started yet,” Marasigan said.

BGI declared commerciality—indicating its intention to develop the project up to commercial operation—late last year. Its geothermal project is targeted to be in full operation by 2016, augmenting power supply in the Visayas.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Initially, their successful identification of resource indicated 20 MW but now the declaration of commerciality is 40 to 50 MW. We are evaluating their declaration,” Marasigan said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Marasigan said the DOE was evaluating whether BGI could produce the energy it wanted based on the geothermal resource it intended to harness. Before approving the development work, the department wants to determine where BGI is planning to sell its power output.

Article continues after this advertisement

“They are now doing confirmatory drilling. Based on their declaration, they have identified the source of the 40 to 50 MW. They just have to redevelop the hole. The additional holes will be more on reinjection then they can build the power plant,” Marasigan said.

DOE data shows that the Biliran geothermal concession covers an area of 260 square kilometers in Barangays Cabibihan and Villa Vicenta in the municipality of Caibiran.

Article continues after this advertisement

The project was awarded to BGI, a joint venture between Filtech Energy Drilling Corp. (Fedco) and Iceland-based Orka Energy Holding in July 2008.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Eastern Visayas, Mario Marasigan

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.