Dec 20 2010
Energy Development, a geothermal energy producer, announced that it has shut down its Northern Negros geothermal energy plant temporarily. The 49 MW geothermal plant has been closed to perform additional technical examinations to increase the capacity.
The technical studies will be conducted for about nine months, and the cost is expected to be 6 million pesos. New Zealand and the US-based consultants will examine the geothermal source as well as the facility, which is producing geothermal power less than one-fifth of its rated capacity since last year.
The SVP for technical services at Energy Development, Manuel Ogena, said that the company’s findings have been validated by third party experts, confirming that further technical studies are necessary on the area.
However, during the shutdown, the company will continue its community relations and environmental management programs.