News

Philippines plans geothermal output increase of 75% by 2030

Philippines plans geothermal output increase of 75% by 2030 Drilling rig of EDC in the Philippines (source: EDC)
Alexander Richter 2 Jul 2013

The Philippine Department of Energy is planning a 75% increase of geothermal power generation capacity from currently 1,848 MW. According to the plan, the country would add 930 MW between 2015 and 2020 and 155 MW from 2020 to 2030.

The Philippines have quoted over the years the strong trust in the role geothermal could play in the overall energy mix and supply to fuel the economic growth of the country. So it is not surprising to hear recent numbers by the Philippine Department of Energy, that plans a geothermal expansion of 1,445 MW by 2030, with an estimated total potential investment volume of P325.125 billion ($7.5 billion). This was reported by the Manila Standard today.

The increase would translate to a 75% growth over the current installed capacity in the country of 1,848 MW, according to Renewable Energy Management Bureau director Mario Marasigan.

Currently, the region of the Visayas has the highest installed capacity with 915 MW, followed by Luzon with 824 MW and Mindanao with 108 MW.

Given the current status of development, it is expected that the main bulk of new capacity of 1,160 MW will be added between 2015 and 2020. This alone would translate to an investment volume of P261 billion ($6 billion)

The development of new geothermal areas will play a major role in the growth as it would add 930 MW between 2015 and 2020. Development and extension of development of existing fields will contribute 230 MW.

Between 2013 and 2015 only around 50 MW of additional capacity is expected to be added, with an investment volume of P11.25 billion ($260 million).

Among the committed projects today, are the 20 MW Maibarara plant expected to go online in 2013 and the 30 MW Nasula plant expected to go online in 2014.

In the second phase, the DOE is aiming an installed capacity increase of 155 MW from 2020 to 2025 with an estimated investment cost of P34.875 billion ($807 million) and adding additional 80 MW from 2025 to 2030 worth P18 billion ($416 million).

The DOE stresses though the fact that it doesn’t favour one particular energy option and geothermal is simply one, but at the same time favourably green and cost competitive energy option for the country.

Source: Manila Standard