ORMOC CITY — Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is looking to modernize its geothermal operations in Leyte through a proposed P70-billion redevelopment that could increase the province’s generating capacity by as much as 400 megawatts.
EDC Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis Giles Puno said the company is studying the construction of a new and more efficient geothermal power plant at its Upper Mahiao facility in Kananga.
The existing Upper Mahiao plant, which had a generating capacity of 125 MW, is being decommissioned due to its age and deteriorating condition.
EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Jerome H. Cainglet said the company has applied with the Department of Energy (DOE) for the decommissioning of the aging facility.
Under the proposed redevelopment, the company could build a new plant with an estimated capacity of 200 to 400 MW using the same geothermal resource.
Puno said improved technology would allow the proposed facility to generate more electricity while using less steam compared with the existing plant.
The project remains under study, with EDC coordinating with the government and the DOE. The company hopes to secure approval to proceed next year, with completion and full commercial operation targeted around 2030 to 2031.
Cainglet said EDC currently operates four geothermal facilities in Leyte — Managdong, Upper Mahiao, Malitbog and Tongonan.
The proposed redevelopment could become one of the largest geothermal redevelopment projects in the world if implemented, the company said.
Host communities, including Ormoc City and Kananga, are also expected to benefit from increased royalties should the proposed expansion result in higher electricity generation.
Host local government units receive P0.03 for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated from geothermal resources within their areas.
EDC said its existing geothermal facilities will continue to support power generation in Leyte while the proposed redevelopment is being studied and developed.
ELVIE ROMAN ROA
