By Joey A. Gabieta
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:07:00 07/19/2008
TACLOBAN CITY – Biliran province could look forward to cheaper electricity and potential investments upon the completion of the proposed geothermal project in the province.
Envent Holdings Philippines Inc., through the Biliran Geothermal Incorporated (BGI), will implement the geothermal project in Mt. Sayao, Barangay Villa Consuelo, Naval, Biliran.
Envent Holdings, a company based in Iceland, would invest about $450 million in the project that include surface exploration activities, drilling and construction of power plants.
The company, in a press statement, estimated that the Biliran geothermal development project would generate 100 megawatts.
Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina said the project would have positive impact on the province.
“Not only will it help reduce the cost of electricity in Biliran but investments will also come in,” Espina said in a cell phone interview.
Espina said he would ask the company to provide for the power requirements of Biliran, estimated at between four to five megawatts.
Sounds like a win-win scenario.Certainly Iceland is the world leader in geothermal energy.A bit puzzled by numbers.Plant to produce 100 megawatts but Biliran estimated to need only 4 to 5 megawatts.Is the rest for export to other provinces?Will Biliran profit?