The PBGPP was successfully synchronized with the Luzon grid in January this year. Operated by EDC’s wholly-owned subsidiary BacMan Geothermal, Inc., the power plant is projected to have a a gross annual generation of 253,000 MWh and net annual generation is 219,800 MWh. This expected to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by an estimated 72,200 tonnes each year.
Inauguration ceremony of the Palayan Bayan binary geothermal power plant in Bicol, Philippines (source: EDC)
Construction on the Palayan Bayan binary power plant started in mid-2021. Prior to this, Turboden had been selected as the supplier of the ORC power plant for the project. The power plant harnesses waste heat from the 120-MW Palayan Bayan 1 flash geothermal power plant to generate electricity without the need for additional steam supply.
“Construction of the PBGPP began in the last quarter of 2021 amid the uncertainties of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, we have remained steadfast in advancing these projects while prioritizing the health and safety of all our workers,” added EDC President and COO Jerome H. Cainglet.
EDC’s growth initiatives
The PBGPP is one of four geothermal growth projects of EDC that are all targeted to be operational within 2024. The others are the 28MW Mahanagdong Binary in Leyte, 20-MW Tanawon Binary also in BacMan, and the 5.6-MW Bago Binary in Negros Occidental. EDC is also working on 40 MW of Battery Energy Storage Systems distributed across the BacMan, Leyte, and Negros Oriental geothermal facilities.
“We laud First Gen and EDC for continually investing in initiatives and infrastructure that bring us closer to a decarbonized and regenerative future,” said the Department of Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla during the inauguration event. “This expansion of EDC’s existing Bacon–Manito geothermal facilities in Bicol marks another milestone in our country’s continuing journey toward a cleaner, more stable, and more secure future of energy.”
“This binary power plant showcases how collaboration and innovation can overcome insurmountable challenges. Our tireless efforts, visionary mindset, and shared commitment have led to this achievement despite the obstacles we faced
since breaking ground for this project in 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” further said Francis Giles B. Puno, Vice Chairman and CEO of EDC.
The Palayan Bayan binary geothermal power plant in the BacMan site in the Philippines (source: EDC)
PBGPP was granted a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS) by the DOE in November 2020, highlighting its importance in the country’s continuing efforts to utilize indigenous energy resources toward energy security and independence. It is also a crucial contribution toward the cleaner energy transition goals set in the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), which is targeting a renewable energy mix of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Uplifting the local community
Apart from RE output and decarbonization, PBGPP likewise contributes a positive impact to Bicol through EDC’s institutionalized corporate social responsibility initiatives. Primary of these is Community-Based Technical-Vocational Skills Training that produces TESDA NC-II certification in industries such as Scaffolding and Masonry, Welding, and Electrical Installation and Maintenance.
EDC through BGI donated four sewing machines that members of the Bacman Host Communities Multipurpose Cooperative (BMPC) are currently using to make plush toys to raise funds and increase awareness for the Flagship Species Initiative (FSI) of EDC’s signature reforestation program BINHI.
The company has also spearheaded the improvement of local health services through donations of medical supplies, equipment, and furniture at the Nagotgot Barangay Health Center, which benefits an estimated 750 families, and through the repair and expansion of the bath area for residents of the lone elderly home in Barangay Roro run by the Ladies of Charity–Sorsogon.
