EDC Enhances Geothermal Facilities in Leyte with Advanced Technology to Boost Efficiency and Sustainability

Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is embarking on a transformative initiative to upgrade its geothermal power facilities in Leyte, Philippines, inspired by the advanced technologies utilized at the Geysers geothermal plants in California. This ambitious plan aims not only to boost efficiency but also to extend the operational lifespan of the facilities, ensuring sustainable energy production for years to come.

The upgrades will be structured around benchmarking with Calpine Corporation, an American energy company known for its strategic approach to geothermal energy. EDC's head of the Leyte site, Teodulfo Troyo, detailed that the planned enhancements include installing a wellhead washing system, a rock catcher, steam washing, and an additional demister. These components are designed to produce purified, high-quality steam, which will eliminate impurities and optimize the efficiency and reliability of the steam turbines.

EDC operates three geothermal plants within the Tongonan geothermal field, namely the Tongonan, Malitbog, and Upper Mahiao facilities. The focus of the upgrades will primarily be on the steamfield facilities that serve these plants. The Tongonan geothermal field encompasses 31 production wells and nine reinjection wells, covering over 107,000 hectares of protected forest land in the regions of Kananga and Ormoc.

International geothermal consulting firm Veizades Associates Inc., renowned for its role in developing the Geysers, will oversee the planning of the upgrades. Troyo noted that the firm has already begun collecting data, with final designs and cost estimates anticipated in the coming months. The initial design phase is projected to take at least six months, followed by a construction period lasting two to three years.

In addition to these upgrades, EDC is exploring innovative technologies such as electrical submersible pumps aimed at revitalizing older wells and modular binary plants that can operate without extensive steam piping. While these technologies remain in the planning stage, Troyo expressed optimism about replicating their success to add between 10 to 15 megawatts of capacity without incurring heavy infrastructure costs.

Recent advancements include the replacement of turbines and generator rotors at the Tongonan facilities, which have transitioned to nearly fully automated operations. This shift allows for greater focus on optimization and monitoring, reducing the need for manual adjustments. Plans are also underway to replace nine cooling towers with more resilient units capable of withstanding typhoons and earthquakes.

With these strategic upgrades, EDC is confident that the Tongonan facility will remain operational until at least 2046. Furthermore, EDC's other geothermal facilities are also slated for rehabilitation and enhancements in the near future.

The 180 MW Mahanagdong facilities are expected to undergo upgrades within the next three to five years, while Upper Mahiao is scheduled for complete replacement to elevate its generating capacity from 130 MW to at least 200 MW, supported by additional geothermal wells. In addition to Tongonan, EDC operates seven other geothermal power stations across the Philippines, contributing to a total generating capacity exceeding 1,100 MW.