The Philippines’ geothermal pioneer, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), is once again making headlines — not for launching something new, but for giving new meaning to what already exists.
By: Robert Buluma
The company has announced plans to repurpose its iconic 129-megawatt Upper Mahiao Geothermal Power Plant in Kananga, Leyte — a facility that has faithfully served the nation for nearly three decades.
After reaching the end of its operational lifespan, the plant — once a symbol of the country’s energy independence — now stands at the cusp of transformation. EDC Vice-President Ryan Z. Velasco confirmed that the company will conduct site feasibility studies to explore various options, including potential repurposing or redevelopment of the area.
End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
The Upper Mahiao Power Plant began commercial operations in 1996 under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme — a pioneering model at the time. EDC took over the project in 2006, seamlessly integrating it into its Unified Leyte Geothermal Complex, which also includes the 232-MW Malitbog, 180-MW Mahanagdong, and 51-MW Optimization plants.
Now, nearly 30 years later, EDC plans to decommission Upper Mahiao in stages, starting in 2026, with full retirement expected by 2029. But in true EDC fashion, this is not a goodbye — it’s a reinvention.
Repurposing for the Future
While most companies might simply dismantle and move on, EDC is exploring how to transform this aging geothermal site into a new hub of innovation. Whether it becomes a next-generation geothermal facility, a pilot site for emerging renewable technologies, or a model for circular energy infrastructure — one thing is certain: EDC isn’t done making history in Leyte.
This approach underscores the company’s forward-thinking commitment to sustainability and technological evolution — proving that even end-of-life assets can contribute to a cleaner future.
Powering Progress Since 1976
As the renewable arm of First Gen Corporation, EDC currently boasts an installed capacity of 1,388.8 MW, representing nearly 20% of the Philippines’ total renewable energy capacity. Since its founding in 1976, EDC has transformed geothermal energy into the beating heart of the nation’s renewable power mix — with projects spanning Bicol, Leyte, Negros Island, and Mindanao.
And EDC isn’t slowing down. The company has allocated up to ₱30 billion for drilling 40 new geothermal wells through 2026, reinforcing its position as a trailblazer in the global geothermal sector.
Why It Matters
EDC’s decision to repurpose the Upper Mahiao plant is more than a technical milestone — it’s a statement about the future of renewable energy. It shows that progress isn’t always about breaking new ground; sometimes it’s about reimagining the ground that already sustains us.
As geothermal technology advances and the world races toward net-zero emissions, EDC’s move could serve as a blueprint for repurposing aging infrastructure, breathing new life into old assets while maintaining environmental integrity and community benefit.
The Philippines — already a global geothermal powerhouse — may soon have a repurposing revolution on its hands, led by the same company that lit its geothermal spark nearly 50 years ago.
Source:Business world
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