Biliran project in the Philippines on track for construction of plant

Biliran project Press Conference, January 22, 2014 (source: Biliran Island blog)

Alexander Richter 23 Oca 2014

The geothermal project on Biliran Island in the Philippines is on track in the development of a 49 MW geothermal power plant. This was announced at a recent visit by the New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Reuben Evermore. He was joined by Erikur Bragason, the CEO of Orka Energy, partner to the project of Biliran Geothermal Inc. (BGI).

The project is located on Biliran Island on the northern tip of Leyte. The island was lucky in the recent typhoon as it only scratched the island on its way passing by to the north of the island.

Eirikur Bragasson, Chief Executive Officer of ORKA Energy, said construction of the power plant was the second phase of its joint project with Biliran Geothermal Inc (BGI) to make the island energy self-reliant in the next two years.

“We’ve finished the first stage and now we’re into the second stage, which is putting up the power plant …The project here has very strong geothermal energy resources,” Bragasson told a press conference this week.

ORKA and BGI are set to enter into an agreement with Toshiba for its turbine and operational works. The project is expected to hire more than 600 workers for its engineering, steel works, pipeline, machineries and construction.

The geothermal plant will mean cheaper electricity rates for the people of Biliran, Leyte and the nearby provinces, Bragasson said.

New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Evermore, who joined Bragasson and other officials of ORKA and BGI congratulated officials involved in the project because of its great potential and “not every country in the world has the same opportunity as the Philippines in terms of geothermal energy potential.”

“I am happy for this project. One of our objectives is to try to contribute and work on renewable energy … More jobs will be created in Biliran and important energy needs will be met,” Evermore said.

Interview with Eirikur Bragason, CEO of Orka Energy

Source: Manila Standard, Biliran Blog