EDC taps NZ firm for research on geothermal dev’t
New Zealand-based research firm GNS Science and Energy Development Corp. (EDC) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of geothermal energy in the country..
The MOU, inked by GNS Science chief executive Michael McWilliams and EDC president and chief operating officer Richard Tantoco, aims to strengthen the current relationship between the two companies, include new research initiatives and work together on geothermal developments in several countries.
Among the areas where the two will increase cooperation include modelling of geothermal reservoirs, management of databases, and assessment of new geothermal fields in both countries.
Furthermore, EDC said it will support GNS Science’s plan to set up a research institute based in Taupo, New Zealand that can draw funding and expertise from various countries and improve geothermal developments in the Pacific region.
Collaboration between the two companies started in the 1970s and the research institute has been involved in discovering and developing major fields in the Philippines, making the country one of the top geothermal energy producers in the world.
“We have mutual interests in a wide range of areas, and we respect each other’s expertise.
EDC provides our staff with experiences that are not available in New Zealand’s geothermal environment. Some of this new knowledge can be applied at home to enhance New Zealand’s energy production,” GNS Science Geothermal Department head Dr. Greg Bignall said.
EDC is the second largest geothermal energy producer in the world, after the United States, with almost 2,000 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity in the Philippines.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has a history of innovative developments in renewable energy and environmental technologies, as well as environmental protection and management policies.
Currently, 65 to 70 percent of electricity in New Zealand is powered by renewable energy sources, mainly hydro, geothermal, wind and biomass.