Firm to reopen Negros Occidental geothermal plant with lesser output

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed that Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is reopening its geothermal power plant in Brgy. Mailum, Bago City.

But EDC will only generate 5 megawatts in the meantime.

Lacson said that EDC will operate in the same area, using the same wells EDC dug before.

EDC initially aimed to generate 40MW of electricity.

But “it was not a good idea, because it caused other problems,” Lacson said, noting that the pipes and wells clogged up when EDC tried to meet the target.

“So, they’re looking at lesser output, so there’s not too much pressure on the wells that they dug.”

In 2013, EDC decided to close the 49MW Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant in Barangay Mailum after it failed to generate its intended capacity.

The equipment was transferred to another of its geothermal power plants in Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Some of its facilities and equipment were retained for future use.

Regarding claims by environment groups that the wells of EDC have encroached into the protected zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, Lacson said “that is not true.”

“It’s just that EDC then expected too much. And they realized their mistake. That is why they just targeting up to 5MW.”

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, who also serves as the chairperson of the Western Visayas Regional Development Council, said the transition to renewable energy, aside from helping address the issue of climate change, will have other benefits for the region.

Benitez pointed out that renewable energy is currently the cheapest source that will lead the way for industries to come in due to cheaper electricity.

“It has a big significance that is why the Regional Development Council 6 is focusing on renewable energy because it could pave the way for an economic boom,” he further said.