Geothermal plant spurs PH shift to clean energy

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- The recent inauguration of the Palayan Geothermal Power Plant (PGPP) in the province of Albay is a significant step forward as the country transitions to cleaner, sustainable, and renewable energy sources, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in his message during the ceremonial inauguration, highlighted the PGPP’s expected contribution to the National Renewable Energy Program’s target of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 in the renewable energy mix.

“The projected 215.8 gigawatts (GW) of power that the PGPP will generate each year will not only contribute to our energy security agenda but also toward the cleaner energy transition goals,” Lotilla said.

“Every additional megawatt of clean, renewable energy that goes online is a vital contribution to our country’s decarbonization goals, as the Palayan Bayan Binary plant is estimated to reduce atmospheric emissions by as much as 72,200 metric tons per year,” he added.

The 28.9-megawatt (MW) PGPP expands the 140-MW Bacon-Manito (BacMan) facility of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

“We laud First Gen and EDC for continually investing in initiatives and infrastructure that bring us closer to a decarbonized and regenerative future,” Lotilla said.

Jerome Cainglet, the president and chief operating officer of EDC, said that the new power plant uses a zero-discharge system to efficiently re-inject brine and other fluids into the reservoir, thereby minimizing its environmental impact.

He added that the DOE has awarded a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance to underscore the plant’s importance in the country’s ongoing efforts to harness indigenous energy resources for energy security and independence.

In January of this year, the PBGPP was successfully synchronized with the Luzon grid. Its projected gross annual generation is 253,000 MW, with a net annual generation of 219,800 MW. (PIA5/Albay)