EGS, the Energy for the Next Millennium: Potential Sites in the Philippines

Abstract

The Philippine energy sector’s agenda targets 60% energy self-sufficiency beyond 2010. Included in the agenda is the intensification of renewable energy resources development which is projected to reach 39% of the primary energy supply mix by 2014. Geothermal development will account for about 19.8% of the mix. The limited remaining suitable sites for conventional geothermal development require inclusion of Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS) in the Philippine energy sector’s agenda.

Previous exploration and development drilling of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in at least seven high- temperature prospects and projects encountered fluid- and permeability-deficient, conductively-heated but high-grade potential EGS resources. These near-producing field geothermal resources may be considered as the best sites for the country’s initial research and development and future EGS development projects.

The Philippines can accelerate EGS development through DOE’s inclusion of EGS in its indigenous renewable energy resource base of the future. Inter-country technical collaborations with countries like USA, Australia, Germany and Japan with advanced experience in this type of resources, private sector upfront investments, and Philippine DOE’s role to shepherd EGS direction in the energy sector are crucial in the systematic documentation, assessment and successful development of low- to high-grade EGS in the country.