EDC to retire Leyte geothermal plant by 2029

Energy Development Corp. (EDC) announced plans to retire its 129-megawatt (MW) Upper Mahiao geothermal power plant in Kananga, Leyte, with decommissioning to begin in 2026 and full shutdown targeted by 2029.

The facility, which began commercial operations in 1996, was the first geothermal plant in the Philippines developed under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme.

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

EDC acquired the Upper Mahiao plant in 2006 and has since integrated it into its Unified Leyte geothermal complex.

The complex also includes the 232-MW Malitbog, 180-MW Mahanagdong, and 51-MW Optimization plants, making Leyte a key component of EDC’s geothermal operations.

EDC is the renewable energy subsidiary of First Gen Corp., a Lopez-led company, and currently operates a total installed capacity of 1,388.8 MW.

This capacity accounts for approximately 20% of the country’s total renewable energy output.

In line with its long-term growth strategy, EDC has committed up to PHP 30 billion through 2026 to drill 40 new geothermal wells across its project portfolio.

The Upper Mahiao retirement reflects EDC’s plan to modernize and expand its geothermal footprint while exploring innovative redevelopment strategies.

As the Philippines targets 35% renewable energy in the power mix by 2030 under its National Renewable Energy Program, geothermal remains central to achieving energy security and decarbonization.

EDC continues to explore brownfield and greenfield geothermal opportunities in line with its commitment to low-carbon, indigenous energy development.