Japanese companies show interest in RP’s geothermal fields

A number of Japanese exploration and power companies have showed keen interest in developing prospective geothermal fields in the Philippines, a ranking energy official said.

Energy Undersecretary Eduardo V. Mañalac said this was reflected during an investment roadshow in Japan to market the first geothermal bidding round, wherein 10 prospective geothermal fields will be auctioned off.

The 10 geothermal fields, which could generate as much as 300-470 megawatts (MW) in additional capacity, are Manito-Bayabon and Rangas-Tanawon in Sorsogon; Biliran in Eastern Visayas; Amacan in North Davao; Dauin, Negros Occidental; Natib, Bataan; Mabini, Batangas; Montelago, Mindoro Oriental and Mt. Kabalian in Leyte.

Mañalac said among the companies that expressed interest to participate in the geothermal bidding included one of Japan’s largest power producers Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Kyuden); West Japan Engineering Consultants, Inc. (West JEC); Kansai Power Electric Co., Inc.; Marubeni Power Systems Corp. and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

Kyuden and its subsidiary West JEC have been active in the geothermal industry in the country with their involvement in he development of existing geothermal production fields such as Bacon-Manito geothermal production in the Bicol region, Tiwi and Makiling-Banahaw geothermal power plants rehabilitation, among others.

Kansai Electric, on the other hand, holds 7.5-percent interest in the San Roque multi-purpose project with Marubeni holding the majority share of 92.5 percent in the project.

"Japanese companies received with much enthusiasm the new developments in the country’s geothermal sector, being the first in the world to undertake a geothermal contracting bid round," Mañalac said.

The Philippines is considered the world’s second largest geothermal producer with an installed generating capacity of 1,932 MW, next only to the United States.

Initially, the firms are looking at investing on the optimization project of the Mt. Apo geothermal field and the expansion program for the Tanawon-Rangas area.

Interested companies still have five months to evaluate the areas’ geothermal potential. – Donnabelle Gatdula