SINGAPORE—The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) is planning to conduct a gradiometric survey to gather additional data and determine the geothermal potential of the country as part of a move to boost its geothermal capacity and expand its renewable energy portfolio.
The survey, which is estimated to cost P600 million, will hopefully revive investor interest in geothermal projects, according to DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week 2025, Fuentebella said the survey “covers central Philippines. Visayas area and portions of Mindanao.”
He said the gradiometric survey, which he likened to an “x ray,” is the first phase of geothermal data gathering, with a second phase projected to cost three times the initial amount. “So that is for our additional data so that we can entice more to do exploration activities,” he said.
The DOE estimates the Philippines has an untapped geothermal potential capacity of up to 2,000 megawatts.
To help lessen the financial risk of geothermal power developers, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the DOE is also set to implement a $171-million geothermal derisking program.
This follows the recent signing of an agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines, which will serve as the conduit for financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“So, we’ve already entered into an agreement or wrapping up the agreement with a LandBank. That’s an ADB facility. So soon enough we will have that,” Garin said.
She noted that geothermal needs more incentives because “it’s risky,” and the program is an attempt to address this and hopefully prompt a market response. Garin expects the derisking facility to be implemented before the end of the year.
