Engr. Ariel Fronda, DOE chief of Geothermal Energy Management Division, said on Thursday at the sidelines of the Power and Electricity World Philippines 2014 that the agency will offer in the third quarter the Balut Island geothermal prospect in Davao del Sur. The said prospect is subject to an open and competitive selection process. “We are finalizing the terms of reference and target to conduct an open and competitive selection process for the area this third quarter,” Fronda said.
The agency has also identified two more areas: the Banton Island in Romblon and the Maricaban Island in Batangas. These two and the Balut Island were earlier identified as potential geothermal areas for further exploration. “There are three proposed geothermal areas for investors but so far we have determined one that can be offered to the private sector,” said the DOE official, referring to the Balut Island.
