Green Core Geothermal Inc. proposed to increase the capacity of the Palinpinon 1 geothermal power plant in Valencia, Negros Oriental to 126 megawatts from 112.5 MW.
GCGI, a unit of Energy Development Corp., the geothermal arm of Lopez-led First Gen Corp., operates the Palinpinon geothermal power plants.
Documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed that Green Core aimed to invest P3 billion for the 13.5-MW capacity increase of the project, with commercial operations eyed in the third quarter of 2028.
The expansion will also require a new environment compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
GCGI intends to upgrade its turbine system by replacing the existing three 37.5-MW turbine generators with three more efficient 42 MW units, increasing the total capacity of the Palinpinon 1 geothermal plant.
The company said it is conducting the upgrade because two of the turbine rotors are approaching end of their asset life within two to three years.
The company, however, assured that the enhancement would not require additional land, alterations in process technology or increased steam usage.
It said there would also be no increase in emissions or condensate generator, as the enhanced efficiency of the new turbines compensates for the capacity increase.
GCGI said the project would contribute additional baseload capacity and provide dependable and reasonably priced power supply in the Visayas.
