EDC Powers up 22-MW Sorsgon Geothermal Plant
- August 6, 2025
Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of Lopez-led First Gen Corporation, officially launched its ₱7-billion Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant on Friday—marking a key milestone in the country’s clean energy transition.
The 22-MW flash geothermal facility is expected to generate approximately 159,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, strengthening the country’s baseload renewable capacity and offsetting around 38,312 tons of carbon emissions annually.
(Also read: Renewables make up lion’s share of new energy projects in 2025)
Geothermal plant aligns with long-term renewable energy strategy
Located within the Bacon-Manito (Bac-Man) geothermal facility in the Bicol region, the new plant reflects EDC’s continued focus on developing local renewable energy sources to enhance both energy security and climate resilience.
“Tanawon’s inauguration is not only a proud achievement for First Gen and EDC but also a win for the country’s energy security and climate resilience journey,” said Jerome Cainglet, president and chief operating officer of EDC.
“We dedicate it to our communities, government partners, and everyone committed to a decarbonized, regenerative future,” he added.
The Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant was completed in just over 27 months, a timeline that reflects strong coordination between EDC, its contractors, and government partners. EDC tapped local firm First Balfour Inc. and Japan-based Toshiba to develop the facility.
In November 2020, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded the Tanawon project with a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS). This certificate “highlights the critical role such projects play in ensuring energy security while contributing to environmental protection and inclusive growth,” the DOE said in a press release.
The company stated that the project supports the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020–2040, which aims to increase the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix to 50% by 2040.
(Also read: Powering the Future: Geothermal Energy’s Global and Local Rise)
EDC pushes forward with geothermal and BESS developments
Tanawon is the second of seven growth projects under First Gen–EDC to come online. The first, the 29-MW Palayan Binary Geothermal Power Plant, was inaugurated on July 5, 2024.
EDC plans to roll out four additional projects this year, including the 28-MW Mahanagdong Binary Geothermal Power Plant in Leyte and three battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 40 megawatt-hours. These include a 20-MW system in Bac-Man, a 10-MW facility in Leyte, and a 10-MW system in Negros Oriental.
Another project, the 5.6-MW Bago Binary Geothermal Power Plant in Negros Occidental, is expected to be completed by 2026.
(Also read: EDC to Drill 19 New Geothermal Wells Ahead of 50th Anniversary)
Sources:
https://manilastandard.net/business/314624375/edc-switches-on-new-geothermal-plant-in-sorsogon.html
https://business.inquirer.net/538840/edc-fires-up-new-p7-b-geothermal-power-plant
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/08/01/edc-powers-up-p7-b-tanawon-geothermal-plant
