The Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is targeting to put up binary plants in each of its existing geothermal plants in the country to boost its power-generation capacity by the end of the year.
The company said the binary plants will allow the company to enhance its power-generation capacity without building new power plants outside existing geothermal concessions.
EDC currently operates geothermal plants in Kananga and Ormoc Leyte; Valencia in Negros Oriental; Bacon in Sorsogon and Manito in Albay; and Kidapawan in North Cotabato.
Interviewed at the sidelines of the 3rd Philippine Environmental Summit in Cagayan de Oro City, Allan V. Barcena, head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Frances L. Ariola, specialist Corporate Communications of EDC bared that this year, the company is focusing on binary plants.
“When you say binary plants, these are low-capacity plants with 5 to 20 megawatts. They are easy to set up,” said Barcena. “We plan to have one per site. The source of binary plants is geothermal steam. We are now complying with the permit requirements.”
Compared to big capacity conventional power plants with a capacity of 100 megawatts or more, binary plants do not need huge investments, as these are located inside existing geothermal concessions.
