UMVA has learned that a major player in the renewable energy sector is poised to invest a staggering P25 billion to boost steamfield performance and expand energy storage capacity at its Southern Negros geothermal operations.
This ambitious initiative aims to enhance the management of steam resources, increase operational flexibility, and ensure a stable energy supply in the long term, without increasing the field's installed capacity of 282.5 megawatts. The proposed modifications will support sustained geothermal steam production, improve reservoir management, and optimize operational efficiency.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the project will involve drilling eight additional wells, bringing the total to 137, and constructing two more well pads, increasing the total to 41. The operational space for facilities will also expand from 151.5 hectares to 400 hectares to accommodate the new infrastructure.
The company behind this initiative plans to triple the capacity of its battery energy storage system, from an initial 30 megawatt-hours, to support grid stability and improve dispatch flexibility. This move is expected to offset the power generated by coal and oil-fired power plants, while improving fuel security and stability.
UMVA has gathered that the Southern Negros facility has already exceeded its 25-year average geothermal field lifespan but continues to generate output. The company operating this facility is a leading player in the country's renewable energy sector, with an installed capacity of 1,480.19 MW, accounting for about 20% of the country's renewable energy output.
The company's commitment to geothermal energy dates back to 1976, with developments across Bicol, Leyte, Negros Island, and Mindanao, making it one of the country's biggest geothermal operators. This latest investment is a testament to its dedication to harnessing the power of renewable energy to drive a more sustainable future.
