Geothermal energy is being positioned as a key pillar of the country’s clean energy transition as the Department of Energy (DOE) pushes for power sources that can deliver continuous electricity alongside growing renewable capacity.

The DOE highlighted this direction as secretary Sharon S. Garin led the opening of the Maibarara Geothermal Inc. (MGI) Visitor Center at the Maibarara Geothermal Power Facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, which the department cited as an example of how geothermal plants can provide reliable baseload power with a relatively small economic footprint.

According to Garin, geothermal energy plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability because it can operate around the clock, unlike weather-dependent renewable sources such as solar and wind. The Maibarara facility was cited as a working model of how this type of power generation fits into the country’s evolving energy mix.

Garin also pointed to policy measures aimed at accelerating geothermal development, pointing to the DOE’s recent agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines to operationalize the Geothermal Resource De-Risking Facility. The program is intended to reduce exploration risks and encourage more private sector investment in geothermal projects.

Within this broader push, the newly opened MGI Visitor Center serves as an education and engagement hub designed to improve public understanding of geothermal technology, plant operations, and environmental management practices. The facility features exhibits on the development of the Maibarara plant and its interaction with surrounding communities.

The event also coincided with the launch of the Maibarara segment of We Power C.A.R.E., the biodiversity program of PetroGreen Energy Corporation. Under the initiative, MGI committed to adopt Kapa-kapa (Medinilla magnifica Lindl.), a critically endangered flowering plant endemic to the Philippines, as part of a long-term conservation effort covering 30 species over 30 years.

MGI is a joint venture among PetroGreen Energy, ACEN, and PNOC-Renewables Corporation. PetroGreen Energy itself is a partnership between PetroEnergy Resources Corporation and Japan’s Kyuden International Corporation.

As the government looks to balance energy security with emissions reduction, how can geothermal projects like Maibarara be scaled up to support both long-term reliability and environmental stewardship?

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.