The recent launch of the Palayan Binary Geothermal Power Plant (PBGPP) in Manito, Albay is poised to be a significant contributor to the country’s energy supply, specifically to the Luzon grid.
The P7-billion binary power plant aims to generate 28.9 megawatt-hours (MWh) of additional renewable energy, with a yearly generation of 219,800 MWh. The project is an extension of the current 140-MW Bacon-Manito (BacMan) facility, contributing extra power to the grid.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the PBGPP provides dependable, round-the-clock energy security, especially since coal-powered plants can occasionally face disruptions.
What is geothermal energy?
Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy sourced from the heat stored in the Earth’s crust. This heat from the Earth’s core is a result of natural heat retained from the planet’s formation and the radioactive decay of minerals.
To harness this energy, wells are drilled into geothermal reservoirs, which contain concentrated heat. These areas emit steam, which is harnessed to generate electricity.
Geothermal is considered clean energy because of the following:
- Low greenhouse gas emissions
Geothermal power plants emit lower levels of greenhouse gasses compared to fossil fuel-based power plants.
- Sustainable Resource
The Earth’s geothermal heat is constantly replenished, making it a renewable and sustainable source of energy.
- Minimal Land Footprint
Geothermal plants typically require less land compared to solar or wind farms, reducing the impact on land use and natural habitats.
- Consistent Energy Supply
Geothermal energy is a stable and reliable power source that is not affected by weather conditions, unlike solar or wind energy.
- Low Water Usage
Geothermal power plants use significantly less water compared to many other types of power plants, such as coal or nuclear, minimizing the strain on local water resources.
With proper management, geothermal resources can provide energy for many decades, contributing to long-term energy security.
New geothermal plant drives country’s energy goals
The DOE believes that the PBGPP’s power output is a key step toward achieving the cleaner energy transition goals outlined in the National Renewable Energy Program. This aims for a renewable energy mix of 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
The project is projected to reduce carbon emissions in the Philippines by 72,200 metric tons per year, which is in line with the country’s conditional goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030.
The project uses a zero-discharge system that effectively re-injects brine and other fluids back into the reservoir, reducing environmental impact. It generates electricity without requiring additional steam by leveraging the heat energy of brine, a by-product from another geothermal power plant.
Brine is a highly saline water extracted from deep underground reservoirs. In geothermal energy generation, brine is the conduit through which the Earth’s underground heat is brought to the surface.
Albay, home to the PH’s pioneering and oldest geothermal power plant
Geothermal power has long been a fixture in Albay. In fact, the province houses the country’s first geothermal power plant.
Commercial operations at the Tiwi geothermal power plant in Albay Province, Philippines, began in 1979. Located at Mt. Malinao, this plant has been generating power for over 40 years.
Within its first three years of operation, the plant’s power output was increased from 55 MW to 330 MW. This was done to reduce the country’s reliance on imported oil during a period of substantial oil price increases. In 1982, the Tiwi geothermal power plant became the first water-based system in the world to generate over 160 MW.
In 2009, Aboitiz Power Renewables, Inc. (APRI) formally acquired the power plant. Today, the Tiwi geothermal power plant has an average gross generation of 157 MW—an impressive figure, given that the plant is decades old. Maintaining such a high average output demonstrates its efficiency and reliability in harnessing geothermal energy.
Upgrading the Tiwi geothermal power plant
The 17-MW binary geothermal power plant within the 1.5-hectare Tiwi geothermal site is expected to be finished later this year. The project will involve constructing a new binary plant system, along with installing new pipes and a transmission line.
Because the binary power plant is designed to harness recoverable heat from geothermal brine using a closed-loop system, no harmful gasses or liquids are generated. Additionally, no waste products are released into the atmosphere. This setup will provide an additional 17 MW of gross electricity, offering a new source of renewable energy to the Luzon Grid.
PH, a top producer of geothermal energy
According to the International Trade Administration, the Philippines is a leading global producer of geothermal power, thanks to its volcanic location, with an installed capacity of around 1.9 gigawatts (GW). As electricity demand increases, the Philippines is projected to experience a power deficit exceeding 150,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually by 2040. Geothermal energy is expected to remain a crucial component of the Philippines’ transition to cleaner energy.
Albay is ideal for geothermal power plants due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a volcanic region with significant geothermal activity. The presence of the Mayon Volcano and other geothermal features provides abundant heat sources essential for geothermal energy production. Additionally, the region’s established infrastructure for geothermal development further supports its suitability for expanding geothermal power generation.
Source: P7-B geo plant in Albay to provide 28.9MW of clean, renewable energy