The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) has granted the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) the certificates of authority for two geothermal exploration sites – the 100-MW Buguias-Tinoc project in Benguet/Ifugao, and the 20-MW Mt. Sembrano project in Rizal/Laguna. With this development, EDC can now proceed with securing the necessary environmental and local permits for technical surveys and pre-feasibility assessments of the sites.
The exploration licenses for the two sites were awarded to EDC back in late 2023 following a competitive tender process.
Under the guidelines of the DOE, the authorizations are valid for three years. This period will allow the developer to conduct studies to de-risk the project and resolve potential community issues before coming to a final development and investment decision.
EDC continues to invest in capacity growth efforts, having recently announced a program of upgrades for its geothermal power complex in Leyte and started exploration drilling in the Amacan site. With a geothermal de-risking facility announced about a month ago, the Philippine geothermal sector to speed up the geothermal development process and have a more active pipeline of projects.
Source: Manila Bulletin
