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BILIRAN Geothermal, Inc. (BGI)’s 50-megawatt (MW) power plant is on track to enter commercial operations in 2016, an official from the Department of Energy (DoE) said yesterday.
Mario C. Marasigan, director for Renewable Energy Management Bureau, said BGI has already sought the agency’s green light to proceed with the project.
“BGI has declared commerciality. We are currently evaluating their declaration,” Mr. Marasigan told reporters on the sidelines of a solar project inauguration in Manila.
“Once confirmed by the DoE, it can proceed with construction. It is still projected to be completed by 2016,” he added.
The official said initial resource estimates of BGI showed that the steam in the concession area can support a 40-50 MW power plant.
“Based on declaration of commerciality submitted to the DoE, BGI has fully identified source of 40-50 MWs,” he added.
While waiting for the agency’s confirmation, BGI will be conducting confirmatory drilling activities and formulate a design for the power plant.
In April, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla inspected the site of BGI’s drilling operations.
Data from the Energy department showed that the Biliran geothermal concession — which was awarded to BGI in July 2008 — covers an area of 260 square kilometers in Barangays Cabibihan and Villa Vicenta in the municipality of Caibiran.
BGI is a joint venture between Filtech Energy Drilling Corp. and Iceland-based Orka Energy Holding ehf. — Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano
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