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Geothermal power project could boost local economy on island in Philippines

Geothermal power project could boost local economy on island in Philippines Geysir Drilling rig of Iceland Drilling on site on Biliran Island, Philippines (source: BiliranIsland.com)
Parker O'Halloran 31 May 2017

With the addition of new geothermal and solar power plants, Biliran in the Philippines is looking to create jobs and secure energy supplies.

 The Provincial Government in Biliran, Philippines is in the process of attracting more investments to the area with the completion of a geothermal and solar power projects. The governor of Biliran, Gerardo Espina Jr., said that despite Biliran’s small size, there are investors are interested in putting their money here. Govenor Espina added, “The geothermal and solar power plants show that we have something to offer to investors. This will mean economic development, possible reduction of electricity rates, and power stability. But the investment’s main benefit for us is on job generation especially in towns where power plants are located.”

The power plant built by Biliran Geothermal Incorporated (BGI) will be located in Caibiran town, while the Biliran Solar Power Plant of E & P Green Energy Inc. (EPGen) is located in Biliran town. The geothermal power plant seeks to generate 10 megawatts (MW), while the solar power plant is targeting to generate 25 MW with a plan to come online in September 2018. BGI is under negotiations with a power contractor to construct a modular binary geothermal power plant expected to be complete in September 2018, and is in the process of negotiating for power sales agreement with electric power distribution utilities.

Source: SunStar Philippines. “Energy projects seen to draw investments in Biliran” May 15, 2017.