Delay in EDC's geothermal project detrimental to Negros' power situation
Department of Energy Director for the Visayas Antonio Labios said any delay in the geothermal exploration of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) at the 12.5-hectare area inside the buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park could be detrimental to the energy situation in the province of Negros Occidental.
He said that as of June 2008 the low dependable capacity that Negros Occidental needs is 161 megawatts and 171 to 204 megawatts in its maximum or peak period.
"We have a thin power reserve. The required power reserve must be 13.5 megawatts and Panay, Cebu and Negros has negative 32 in power reserve," Labios said.
He added Negros need to have an ample power supply considering that its economic growth is high.
Labios was at the Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field (NNGPF) yesterday for a routine inspection. "We have to know the status of the overall operation of the geothermal plants in the Visayas. We do this regularly. We want to see to it that Energy Development Corporation complies with the requirements," he said.
NNGPF Resident Manager Gino dela Cruz said that the existing power plant is still under maintenance and servicing works since it was shut down last May 28, 2008. The existing power plant was expected to generate 15-18 megawatts and the potential resource inside the buffer zone is expected between 35-50 megawatts.
EDC Environmental Senior Supervisor Erwin Magallanes said that there were 2,443 trees which were cut out of the 4,213 trees which has DENR permit.
Of the 2,443 trees which were already cut, 60% of which were 20 centimeters in diameter and below.
He said that EDC has already reforested 650,000 trees from 1994 to 2008 and it four years time they will plant additional 160,000 trees or a total or 805,787 trees.
"We will only cut 4,213 and we started to replace it and make it 805,787 trees in the next four years from 2008," he said.
Engr. Joey Higgins, EDC Community Partnership and Development Officer, said that geothermal energy has its advantages. It is indigenous where the country can save from imported fuel cost. It is a clean energy as there is no need to burn fossil fuels. Its operation means a translation of saving in carbon emissions and reduces global warming. EDC's 1,198 MW installed capacity avoid 5.2 million tons of CO2 emissions a year.
It is also renewable and sustainable because it comes from the heat of the earth.
Based on the biodiversity study, the project development will have negligible effects on the overall biodiversity due to the size of the area which is 12.5 hectares or only 7% of the buffer zone and 0.05% of the park.
The environmental measures can minimize the effects and may enhance the ecological status of the buffer zone.