Philippines: Aboitiz Power Renewables Updates on 200 MW Mt. Apo Geothermal Project

AboitizPower cuts ribbon on 300-MW plant, gears up for geothermal (BusinessWorld Online)

Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) yesterday formally inaugurated  a 300 MW coal-fired power plant. The company’s next move is a potential geothermal facility in a 20,000-hectare portion of the Mt. Apo reservation, within the villages of Sibulan and Kapatagan.

Manuel M. Orig, AboitizPower first vice president for Mindanao, said the company will pursue the geothermal plant, which will be undertaken through Aboitiz Power Renewables Inc., only after a potential output of at least 50 MW is verified.

“Geothermal power is the most expensive power to produce,” Mr. Orig said on the sidelines of the TSI plant inauguration.

Mr. Orig said there is no estimate yet on the full cost to set up the renewable energy facility with a target installed capacity of 200 MW.

“As soon as we get the permits we will immediately start the exploration,” said Mr. Orig, noting that the company has already secured the endorsement of the local government units within the exploration area.

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