Valencia:First Gen Corporation is enhancing its Palinpinon-1 geothermal power plant in Negros Oriental, increasing its capacity from 112.5 megawatts (MW) to 126 MW.
According to Philippines News Agency, the modernization project is managed by First Gen's geothermal division, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), which plans to replace the plant's three 37.5-MW turbine-generator units with updated 42-MW units.
This upgrade will contribute an additional 13.5 MW to First Gen's renewable energy portfolio, enabling the plant to produce more electricity with the same amount of geothermal steam, avoiding further steam extraction.
Noel Tan, head of the Southern Negros Geothermal Project, emphasized that this modernization reflects EDC's commitment to enhancing resource efficiency and supporting the country's shift to lower-carbon energy sources. The project aims to maximize natural resources while promoting the Philippines' transition to a decarbonized energy future.
The upgrade is also anticipated to extend the operational life of the plant, which has been providing renewable power to the Visayas grid for over 40 years.
First Gen and EDC officials previously announced at the Net Zero Carbon Alliance that the Palinpinon upgrade would commence in the last quarter of this year. First Gen president and COO Francis Giles Puno noted that the company is not only increasing capacity but also improving the efficiency of the power plants by implementing the latest turbine technology.
Jerome Cainglet, president and COO of EDC, stated that the upgrading will proceed in phases, with an expected completion date by the end of 2027.
