Country Update on Philippine Geothermal Development and Operations, 1991-1995

Abstract

After a hiatus in geothermal development which commenced in 1984, geothermal generating capacity in the Philippines has increased over the past three years from 890 to 1071 Construction activities have now commenced for the commissioning of a further 851 by mid 1997. Current delineation drilling and engineering studies are expected to lead to the commissioning of a further 230 by the end of the decade It is thus expected that the Philippines will have 2152 of geothermal power generation by the year 2000. The means for achieving such rapid development have been: a pressing need for electric power to support industrial growth and modemisation, deregulation of power generation thus allowing for the entry of the private sector, and the formulation of Build-Operate- Transfer Legislation which has promoted strong participation by power generation utilities and plant manufacturers in the current development program.