The Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is set to begin the phased decommissioning of its 129-megawatt (MW) Upper Mahiao geothermal power plant in Leyte, citing the facility’s declining technical viability and end of economic life.
In a statement on Tuesday, EDC vice president and corporate information officer Ryan Velasco said the first phase, involving two of the plant’s four units, is scheduled for 2026, with full decommissioning expected by 2029. The company is also conducting feasibility studies on potential site redevelopment or repurposing.
Velasco noted that key components of the facility, which typically have a 15- to 20-year economic life, are being assessed for decommissioning costs.
Meanwhile, EDC recently expanded its geothermal footprint in Southeast Asia through a joint venture with PT DSSR Daya Mas Sakti in Indonesia. The partnership targets the development of up to 440 MW of geothermal capacity across six sites, tapping into the country’s vast untapped reserves.
EDC operates over 1,100 MW of geothermal capacity, accounting for 80 percent of the Philippines’ installed geothermal power and making the country the world’s third-largest geothermal producer after the U.S. and Indonesia.
