EDC eyes P25-B expansion of Negros steam field project

Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. is looking to spend about P25 billion on its plan to boost the 282.5-megawatt (MW) Southern Negros Geothermal Project in Negros Oriental.

According to a document filed at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, EDC is seeking the DENR’s approval of the revision of the Negros project’s scope as the company is considering to drill new wells to boost capacity.

The company has applied for an amendment of the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the Negros steam field of the project, with its proposal covering the boundary of the 4,027.59 development block.

As the project site is within three kilometers of the Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park, which is a protected area, EDC’s plan needs permits from the DENR.

“This requirement is crucial to ensure that all potential impacts on the protected area are carefully evaluated and addressed,” it said.

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Aside from drilling new wells, EDC also wants to build new infrastructure and facilities. To support such additions, EDC intends to expand the project area to 400 hectares from the current 151.5 hectares.

Pursuing such a development could “sustain the operations” of the Nasuji Power Plant, Palinpinon Geothermal Power Project Units 1 and 2, and Nasulo Geothermal Power Plant, and future projects.

The company said only the Nasuji Power Plant was not operational as it was under “preservation mode due to steam availability constraints.”

“EDC intends to operate the Nasuji Power Plant by drilling additional geothermal wells to supply steam to the plant,” it said.

Based on its application, EDC may invest P25 billion to cover the cost of drilling new wells, the expansion of existing pads as well as the construction of new ones, road networks, pipeline routes, technologies, and other support structures.

In the Philippines, EDC has a total capacity of 1,480.19 megawatts, accounting for about 20 percent of the country’s installed renewable energy capacity.

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