Philippine geothermal projects approved for streamlined permitting instrument

Awarding of green lane certificates to PGPC and PPPPC by the Philippine Board of Investments (source: BOI)

Carlo Cariaga 15 Feb 2024

Four geothermal projects in various parts of the Philippines are set to benefit from “green lane” services that the government agencies have created to streamline the swift materialization of energy investments in the country.

Three of the projects are under the Philippine Geothermal Production Co. Inc (PGPC)

• The Daklan geothermal power project in Benguet, with an approximate capacity of 51 MW;
• The Mt. Labo geothermal power project in Camarines Norte/Camarines Sur, with an approximate capacity of 105 MW;
• and the Mt. Malinao geotherma power project in Camarines Sur/Albay with an approximate capacity of 50 MW.

The total cost for these three projects is estimated at Php19.27 billion (approx. USD 344.6 million). The projects are expected to create a total of 1,500 jobs for Filipino workers during exploration, development, well drilling, and commercial operations.

The fourth project is under Pan Pacific Power Phils, Corp. (PPPPC):

• The Baua-Sikaw geothermal power project in Cagayan Province, with an approximate capacity of 61 MW.

The Baua-Sikaw projects is expected to cost Php 689.9 million (approx. USD 12.33 million) during its seven-year exploration period while generating more than 500 job opportunities.

The green lane certificates were awarded by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI) through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI). OSACSI shall coordinate with the concerned LGUs to endorse the projects for green lane services, thus expediting and streamlining the permitting procedure for such projects identified as Strategic Investments.

“As the single point of entry for strategic investments and coordinating body for green lanes, OSACI will play a pivotal role in addressing issues and concerns in the renewable energy industry. This streamlined approach ensures the swift materialization of energy investments in the country,” according to a statement by the BOI.

“This endorsement will definitely be a great boost for the RE industry and we are positive that many significant milestones will arise from this government support and initiative,” said Mr. Napoleon L. Saporsantos, Jr., PGPC President and PPPPC Director. “This will assist RE Developers like us to accelerate the progress of our projects in support of the government’s thrust to pursue green and sustainable energy development.”

PGPC had previously announced plans of investing Php 3 billion (approx. USD 53.8 million) annually over the next five years with the aim of building its geothermal installed capacity to 600 MWe – double the current capacity of the existing Tiwi and Mak-ban geothermal steam fields.

Source: Philippine Board of Investments and Manila Times