WorldWide Drilling Resource

LEADING THE PUSH FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE PHILIPPINES Compiled by the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Geothermal energy is an indigenous energy source in the Philippines. Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is the country’s largest vertically integrated geo- thermal energy provider and recognized as a world leader in wet steam field tech- nology. They are using their influence to encourage the government to support the development of more geothermal projects. Their biggest selling point being geothermal is not only a clean and re- newable energy source, but its cost, as well as supply, is stable. EDC has overseen the successful development of numerous geothermal energy products, and since 1983, has successfully developed, financed, built, and operated seven geothermal steam fields in five geothermal contact areas, containing both wet and dry steam. The total capacity of clean and renewable energy the company delivers is around 1400 megawatts (MW). Because of their success, the company does have pull when offering suggestions, which would provide energy variety to the country, thereby reducing the inherit risk found in relying heavily on one single fuel source. While geothermal energy is the company’s core, EDC continues to diversify their own renewable energy portfolio through investments in hydropower, solar power, and wind energy projects. The company successfully inaugurated the 1.03-MW solar rooftop system in Gaisona Capital’s mall in the La Paz District, Iloilo City. The solar rooftop system is the largest of its kind in the province, and can supply up to 50% of the mall’s daytime energy needs, which results in sig- nificant savings in electricity cost. Even more important to the company, the sys- tem pulls power directly from the sun and will not require the use of fossil fuels or other gases. In total, the solar rooftop will help the mall avoid emitting nearly 850 tons of CO 2 annually. The solar rooftop represents EDC’s initial venture into the solar rooftop industry, but they have finalized agreements for the installation of similar solar rooftops in five other malls. The company is looking to expand its operation and influence through environmentally safe methods. They believe their track record has given them the expertise needed to assess the feasibility of future acquisitions and greenfield projects, which will ensure the safe and efficient construction of power plants and provide efficient operations for them in the future. Through their geo- thermal recommendation to the Philippine government and continued dedication to clean and renewable energy, the com- pany looks to aid the country’s con- sumers while reducing environmental effects. Solar rooftop of the Gaisona Capital mall, courtesy of Energy Development Corporation. 15 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® APRIL 2017