EDC secures authorization for two geothermal exploration sites in the Philippines
View of Mt. Sembrano from Jalajala, Rizal, Philippines (source: Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0 
Carlo Cariaga
6 Jan 2026
EDC has received authorizations to proceed with permitting and surveys for the Buguias-Tinoc and Mt. Sembrano geothermal exploration sites in the Philippines.
The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) has granted the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) the certificates of authority for two geothermal exploration sites – the 100-MW Buguias-Tinoc project in Benguet/Ifugao, and the 20-MW Mt. Sembrano project in Rizal/Laguna. With this development, EDC can now proceed with securing the necessary environmental and local permits for technical surveys and pre-feasibility assessments of the sites.
The exploration licenses for the two sites were awarded to EDC back in late 2023 following a competitive tender process.
Under the guidelines of the DOE, the authorizations are valid for three years. This period will allow the developer to conduct studies to de-risk the project and resolve potential community issues before coming to a final development and investment decision.
EDC continues to invest in capacity growth efforts, having recently announced a program of upgrades for its geothermal power complex in Leyte and started exploration drilling in the Amacan site. With a geothermal de-risking facility announced about a month ago, the Philippine geothermal sector to speed up the geothermal development process and have a more active pipeline of projects.
Source: Manila Bulletin
