The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) held the very first Philippine International Geothermal Conference on October 2-3 at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. With the theme “Beyond conventional: Tapping new geothermal frontiers,” the landmark conference seeks to expand and develop the Philippines’ potential for geothermal energy being an indigenous and sustainable resource.
The two-day meet brings together renowned international experts particularly in the field of geothermal energy, along with representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE) and other players in the sector a bid to strengthen the role of geothermal in the energy future of the country, in step with the global pivot toward sustainability to address issues such as climate change.
“This is an important event that puts back the Philippines on the global map of sustainable development through renewable energy, with geothermal in particular being the most ideal in terms of being the cleanest, most reliable, cost-efficient and sustainable,” said NGAP president Jeff Caranto.
At present, the Philippines is the third largest geothermal energy producer in the world. “We are in an advantageous position of possessing this valuable resource, and this conference is part of our goal to advance geothermal in our country’s energy mix as well as to make the Philippines a rightful regional and global leader in this sector,” added Caranto.
Keynote speakers in the conference included Richard Tantoco, president and chief operating officer of Energy Development Corporation, the country’s largest geothermal and renewable energy company; Atty. Mona Dimalanta, chair of the National Renewable Energy Board; and DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy.
Panelists and guest speakers are comprised of geothermal and energy experts from Taiwan, Indonesia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Indonesia who discussed topics such as geothermal resources exploration, geothermal technologies, & country updates on best practices in geothermal energy production and operations.
