Preliminary Evaluation Update of the Reservoir Potential of Southern Leyte Geothermal Project, Philippines

Abstract

The Southern Leyte Geothermal Project is located south of the renowned Tongonan Geothermal Field, at the southern tip of the island of Leyte, Philippines. Initial feasibility study conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in 2001 - 2002 had estimated an available capacity of 110 MWe. Since then, an additional delineation well had been drilled and tested and reinterpretation of the geophysical survey were undertaken, providing new information on subsurface geology and reservoir characteristic of the geothermal resource. The updated study supports the previous findings of the initial study where a commercial size resource potential is present in the Southern Leyte Geothermal Project. High temperature (>260 C), neutral, high-chloride fluid is believed to be upflowing from the uplifted basement formation possibly heated by presence of magma chambers and intrusives (dikes) related to the volcanic activities in the area. Additional well drilling to delineate further the field are to be undertaken in the coming months.