Development of geothermal areas pushed

MANILA  -Despite observing a slowdown in the addition of new geothermal energy capacity in the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) remained optimistic that the private sector will be able to develop the country’s existing geothermal areas, especially as three projects were slated to start commercial operations by year-end, an official said on Wednesday.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said the agency wanted to develop the country’s 145 geothermal areas and reclaim the Philippines’ standing as the second largest geothermal energy producer in the world.

“The bottom line here is that we are confident that renewable energy development in the Philippines is accelerating and we will meet our targets. But we cannot do it alone,” Guevara said during the fourth Philippine International Geothermal Conference hosted by the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines.

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The country is currently the world’s third largest geothermal energy producer, standing behind Indonesia and the United States.

According to Guevara, only 86 megawatts (MW) had been added to the Philippines’ total installed geothermal capacity since Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act, was signed into law in 2008.

The law was enacted to help promote the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy resources in the Philippines and lessen the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Citing the DOE’s efforts to help fast-track the development of clean energy facilities, Guevara announced that three geothermal projects with a combined capacity of 48 MW were set to come online by December this year.