A Case Study Of Impacts, Risks And Vulnerabilities Of The Local Community Of Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Complex, Philippines

Abstract

Geothermal energy development requires vast areas of land for exploration, construction, steam harvesting and electricity production. The steam pipes, injection wells, and equipment facilities require large spaces in order to be installed. Geothermal plant facilities and geothermal reservoirs are typically located at higher elevations and mountainous areas which would usually have few, if any, residing local communities. The Makiling-Banahaw (Mak-Ban) geothermal complex is quite unique among the geothermal plant sites in the Philippines because it is located in a relatively flat terrain compared to other producing geothermal areas. It is one of the most accessible and most populated geothermal complexes in the country, located 70 km south of Manila in Luzon island. The Mak-Ban geothermal complex occupies a geothermal zone covering seven designated barangays (smallest administrative division in the Philippines). This study investigates the perception of the local community regarding the perceived impacts, risks and vulnerabilities from the operation activities of the Mak-ban geothermal plant. The social survey took place in 2013 using the questionnaire and interview method among 268 household respondents out of 7,179 households residing in the seven barangays in the Mak-Ban geothermal zone. Household respondents interviewed were predominantly female (62%) and middle-aged residents, from 30- to 50-year olds (62%). The questionnaire survey covered household characteristics, knowledge about geothermal energy, perceived impacts, risks and vulnerabilities, and social acceptability. First hand information from the social survey showed the local community