EDC hopeful to operate 40MW geothermal plant in Dauin

By Judy Flores-Partlow

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) – The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is hoping to generate enough steam in Dauin, Negros Oriental so it can operate a 40-megawatt (MW) geothermal power plant by the year 2013.

EDC president and chief executive officer Paul Aquino said during a recent visit here that the Dauin project is currently in its exploration stage with two wells already being dug in Barangay Magsaysay.

At least three or four wells are needed to ensure that the proposed geothermal power plant can operate at its maximum potential capacity of 40 MW, said Aquino.

He explained that once the wells are dug, these will have to continuously run and discharge steam for three months before drilling for capacity will begin.

It will then take another three years to determine the amount of geothermal energy that can be harnessed in Magsaysay, Dauin.

Meanwhile, another geothermal power plant with a potential capacity of 20 MW is also being eyed in Nasulo, Valencia town in Negros Oriental.

Once the Nasulo and Dauin projects become operational, these will complement the existing Palinpinon I and Palinpinon II geothermal power plants in Negros Oriental that generate a total 192.5-MW maximum capacity. (PNA)