Group to put up geothermal plant in Biliran (Inquirer)
Biliran Geothermal Inc. (BGI) is on track to develop the next major geothermal power project in the Philippines. BGI proposes to build a geothermal power plant in the island-province of Biliran in Eastern Visayas. The project, which may have up to 50 megawatts (MW) of capacity, will boost the renewable energy component of the Philippines’ energy mix as coal and other sources grow.
“They hope to start development within the year if possible,” DOE director for Renewable Energy Management Bureau Mario Marasigan said in a text message. Steam tests for the 20-MW Maibarara geothermal project in Batangas shows it is ready for a 10-MW expansion and the DOE hopes there will be other geothermal projects to boost clean energy use in the country.
“So far, we are looking at Biliran. It needs full confirmation so development has not started yet,” Marasigan said. BGI declared commerciality—indicating its intention to develop the project up to commercial operation—late last year. Its geothermal project is targeted to be in full operation by 2016, augmenting power supply in the Visayas. Read More....
