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Drilling contract signed for 49 MW project in Biliran, Philippines

Drilling contract signed for 49 MW project in Biliran, Philippines Signing ceremony for Biliran drilling contract, June 2013 (source: BiliranIsland.com)
Alexander Richter 6 Aug 2013

The developer of the 49 MW geothermal project on Biliran Island in the Philippines has recently signed a drilling contract with an Icelandic drilling company.

As reported locally, the developer of the geothermal project in Biliran, Philippines, Biliran Geothermal and Iceland Drilling Company signed a drilling contract for the project on June 12, 2013. The drilling rig – so various sources – has already been packed and is currently being shipped to the project location.

The signing ceremony for the multi-million dollar drilling contract was held at in Makati City, Philippines.

Representing Biliran Geothermal, Inc. was its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Eirikur Bragason, also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orka Energy Philippines. Signing in behalf of Icelandic Drilling Company (IDC) was Baldvin Thorsteinsson, the CEO of Iceland Drilling.

The Biliran Geothermal Inc. (BGI), which is a joint venture of Filtech Energy Drilling Corporation (FEDCO), and Orka Energy Philippines, was in perfect attendance during the drilling contract signing. Composing its Filipino Officers are the pioneers in the field of geothermal power generation in the Philippines. Its President and Chief Executive Officer is Zosimo F. Sarmiento, who has gained experience for over 30 years of geothermal reservoir engineering and drilling. Completing the board were Mr. Nazario C. Vazquez, considered one of the “fathers” of the Philippines geothermal energy industry, Mr. Roberto R. Abanes, also has vast experience in the operations of the various drilling rigs for geothermal and oil and gas wells in and outside of the country and Michael Medado, as its Board Secretary. Last 2008 BGI was awarded by the Department of Energy license to explore the geothermal potential of the Province of Biliran.

Witnessing the signing ceremony were Officials from the geothermal and drilling industry, representatives from other industries, various local government officials from the Province of Biliran and the Municipality of Caibiran and representatives from key government agencies.

Recently elected Biliran Governor Gerardo J. Espina, Jr. headed the delegation from the Provincial Government with Vice-Governor Manuel B. Montejo and Board Member (recently elected Provincial Vice-Governor) Engr. Eriberto D. Tubis, Jr. While Mayor EulalioMaderazo of the Municipality of Caibiran led the Caibiran delegation, joined by Vice Mayor Gracia Baribe and SB Member Rommel Berdal.

Representatives from the key government agencies also came to witness the signing ceremony led by Urbano Doydora, PENR Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Biliran and Mrs. Flordelis E. Jackson, Manager of the Biliran Philippine Information Agency.

Also in attendance were officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine Associated Smelting and Refinery Corporation (PASAR), Officers of Filtech Energy Drilling Corporation (FEDCO), other officers of Orka Energy Philippines, key officials in the field of geothermal energy here in the country and in Iceland and other guests.

In his presentation as prelude to the contract signing, Mr. Bragason emphasized the promising potential of geothermal power generation in the island of Biliran. Estimated to have a potential resource that can support a 49-megawatt power plant, he envisioned of helping Biliranons through building a power plant, similar to those in Iceland, thereby generating reliable electricity with possible integration into other activities, i.e. food drying, tourist spa attraction etc. And in the long run serve as the catalyst for economic growth and development of the province. He also showcased, as examples, the various geothermal power plants by Orka Energy Project Team already operational and is providing energy in various places in Iceland. Said plants had provided economic boost and tourism potential to their respective places.”

Source: Biliran Island Blog