EDC updates Kidapawan on M3 project

KIDAPAWAN CITY – In support for its host community’s effort for transparency and accuracy, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) welcomed Vice Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco and members of the city council headed by Committee on Energy head Lauro Taynan during their visit to this city’s lone renewable energy source.

The 106MW Mindanao Geothermal Production Field (MGPF) owned and operated by EDC, which has contributed to Mindanao electricity needs since 1997, is an example of the important role of private companies in supporting the country’s energy and environmental goals.

During this visit, members of Kidapawan LGU learned that 11% of the power source in Mindanao is from geothermal energy.

“Geothermal energy, unlike coal, does not emit greenhouse gases. It does not pollute the air or contribute to climate change, which improves the region’s energy sustainability,” said James Villaroman, EDC-Mt.Apo Geothermal Business Unit head.

EDC highlighted the company’s efforts to support growth of its host communities over the past 16 years through various CSR projects in health, education, livelihood and the environment.

EDC is currently studying the available resource for a proposed Mindanao 3 (M3) project. “M3 is one of the medium term solutions committed to the Department of Energy to help the power requirements of Mindanao. We are exerting effort to validate the steam resource. We want to be sure that resource will be sustainable to provide power to the Mindanao grid,” said Villaroman.

“Once we receive endorsement to proceed with the project, construction will start in 2015,” he added.