EDC to invest PHP 3B in Palinpinon upgrade

The Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is investing approximately PHP 3 billion to expand and modernize the capacity of its Palinpinon 1 geothermal power plant in Negros Oriental, reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainable energy development.

Through its subsidiary, Green Core Geothermal Inc. (GCGI), EDC has applied for an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to proceed with the planned turbine system upgrade.

The project involves replacing the facility’s existing three 37.5-megawatt (MW) turbine generators with more efficient 42-MW units, increasing the plant’s total installed capacity from 112.5 MW to 126 MW.

“This upgrade is prompted by the fact that two of the turbine rotors are approaching the end of their asset life within two to three years,” GCGI said in its filing with the DENR.

The modernization is designed to enhance operational reliability and output without expanding the plant’s land footprint, changing its process technology, or increasing steam consumption.

According to GCGI, emissions levels are expected to remain unchanged due to improvements in turbine efficiency that will offset the increase in power output.

The PHP 3-billion budget includes expenses for project planning, technical consulting, due diligence, equipment procurement, and installation of the upgraded turbine systems.

As part of the regulatory process, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau has scheduled a public scoping session on July 23 in Negros Oriental to engage local stakeholders and gather input for the environmental impact assessment.

Palinpinon 1, which began operations in 1983 under the National Power Corporation, has played a critical role in delivering clean, baseload power to the national grid for over four decades.

Today, it is one of several geothermal facilities operated by GCGI in Negros Oriental, a province that serves as a major contributor to the country’s renewable energy mix.

The Philippines ranks among the world’s top producers of geothermal energy, and EDC remains the largest vertically integrated geothermal developer in the country.

This latest investment is aligned with EDC’s broader decarbonization strategy, which includes repowering and maintaining its geothermal portfolio while expanding into other clean technologies such as wind, solar, and hydro.