EDC cues P3-B expansion of Negros Oriental plant

Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is investing P3 billion to expand the capacity of its existing geothermal plant in Negros Oriental.

A document submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) showed that EDC subsidiary Green Core Geothermal, Inc. (GCGI) seeks to replace the Palinpinon 1 plant’s turbine system with three units of 42-megawatt (MW) turbine generators. This means an increase from the current 37.5 MW.

GCGI noted that this is needed as two of the existing turbine rotors “are approaching the end of their asset life within two to three years.”

GCGI is a subsidiary of First Luzon Geothermal Energy Corp., wholly owned by EDC.

The group hopes to install and start the operation of the first turbine unit by the third quarter of 2027. The two other units, meanwhile, are expected by the first half of 2028.

Pursuing this would allow GCGI to increase the project’s capacity to 126 MW from 112.5 MW.

As it eyes an increase in power generation capacity, GCGI has to obtain an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the DENR.

Developers need to secure ECC before they can proceed with some projects. This permit certifies that the activity will not negatively impact the environment.

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The company also gives assurance that “there will be no increase in emissions or condensate generated, as the enhanced efficiency of the new turbines compensates for the capacity increase.”

First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno earlier said the group would keep its aggressive well-drilling program.

Last month, Jerome Cainglet, president and chief operating officer of EDC, said they were on course to complete their P30-billion geothermal drilling program next year.