The Philippines is the world’s second-largest producer of geothermal energy next to the United States. With the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 in place, the geothermal industry in the Philippines is taking its heights. Here are a few things you need to know about the country’s rising power industry.
- Geothermal energy covered up to 22% of the country’s energy mix in 2011, making it the largest contributor of energy next to oil which covered 31% of the total energy mix.
- The Philippines is home to three of the 10 largest geothermal power plants in the world. These are the Makban Geothermal Complex located between Calauan in Laguna and Santo Tomas, Batangas, with a 458MW capacity; The Tiwi Geothermal Complex in Tawi, Leyte with a 289 MW net complex, and the Malitbog Geothermal Power Station in Ormoc City, Leyte with a capacity of 232.5MW.
- In 2013, the installed geothermal power capacity in the country stood at 10.78% of 17,325 MWe total installed capacity, and contributing 14% of the electricity requirement of the country.
- Following the enactment of the RE Law, there were 43 geothermal service/operating contracts signed and awarded. Five are on field production, two on exploration stage.
The country targets to use 75% of the existing capacity or 1,465 MWe additional capacities are expected to go online by 2030 for continuous supply of cleaner energy.
