Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is set to phase out its 129-megawatt (MW) Upper Mahiao Power Plant in Kananga, Leyte, after more than three decades of operation, while exploring potential redevelopment options for the site, BusinessWorld reports.

“We will be conducting site feasibility studies and look at various options including the potential repurposing or redevelopment of the area,” EDC Vice-President Ryan Z. Velasco told reporters on Tuesday.

The plant, which began commercial operations in 1996 and was the first geothermal project in the Philippines built under a build-operate-transfer scheme, was acquired by EDC in 2006. EDC plans to start decommissioning the facility in phases, targeting the initial stage by 2026 and full retirement by 2029.

In line with its growth strategy, EDC has allocated up to PHP 30 billion for drilling 40 new wells through 2026, signaling continued expansion in the country’s geothermal sector.

Upper Mahiao is part of EDC’s Unified Leyte geothermal complex, which also includes the 232-MW Malitbog, 180-MW Mahanagdong, and 51-MW Optimization plants. EDC, the renewable energy arm of Lopez-led First Gen Corp., currently operates a total installed capacity of 1,388.8 MW, representing roughly 20% of the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity.

How will the company balance decommissioning with site redevelopment, and what could this mean for renewable energy growth in Leyte? Share your thoughts on this development.

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