News

Philippine’s Leyte asks to revisit San Juan geothermal project

Philippine’s Leyte asks to revisit San Juan geothermal project Palinpinon geothermal plant, Philippines, not related to story (source: EDC)
Alexander Richter 14 Mar 2010

Regional representatives in the Southern Leyte region in the Philippines are asking the country's president to revisit the geothermal project at San Juan. The project was abandoned about 10 years ago.

In news from the Philippines, “Southern Leyte Lone District Representative Roger Mercado says it is time to look closely at the suspended geothermal project in San Juan town, Cong. Mercado said in a brief conversation with local media last week.

Mercado called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to revisit the geothermal project in the pacific side of the province, saying that once developed this can help offset the scarcity or utter lack of power supply in other parts of the country.

Exploration of the geothermal prospects in San Juan town began more than ten years ago, in which it was reported that at least four wells have the potential to generate electricity.
Over time, it was stopped for various considerations, including technical and financial, since only one out of four wells showed promise of a viable geothermal energy source.
This lone well was what Cong. Mercado referred to when he called on the President to revisit the exploration in this site.

Aside from developing geothermal sources particularly in the province, Cong. Mercado was also open to the idea of using nuclear energy as a lasting solution to the country’s recurring power problem.

Source: Philippines Information Agency (PIA)