GREEN CORE Geothermal, Inc. (GCGI), a subsidiary of Energy Development Corp. (EDC), is planning a P3.02-billion expansion of its 112.5-megawatt (MW) Palinpinon 1 Geothermal Power Plant Project in Negros Oriental.
In its filing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, GCGI said it’s proposing to extend the plant’s capability to 126 MW by replacing the prevailing three 37.5-MW turbine-generators.
“This upgrade is prompted by the incontrovertible fact that two of the turbine rotors are approaching the tip of their asset life inside two to 3 years,” the corporate said.
The substitute of turbines is not going to require any additional land, changes in process technology, or increased steam usage, it said.
“Moreover, there shall be no increase in emissions or condensate generation, as the improved efficiency of the brand new turbines compensates for the capability increase,” the corporate said.
GCGI is targeting the completion of all unit upgrades by the third quarter of 2028.
“The proposed project will use geothermal power generation, supporting renewable energy sources as a part of the Energy Reform Agenda. It should provide consistent electricity aiding in national growth,” it said.
The corporate said the project is predicted to satisfy the projected needs of the Visayas grid and promote renewable energy development within the country.
EDC took over operations of the geothermal power plant in 2009 from the National Power Corp., in step with the goals of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to denationalise power generation assets.
Apart from the Palinpinon geothermal power plant, GCGI also operates the 123-MW Tongonan 1 geothermal power plant in Leyte.
Its parent, EDC, is the renewable energy arm of Lopez-led First Gen Corp., which holds an installed capability of 1,480.19 MW — representing around 20% of the country’s total installed renewable energy capability. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera