Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, overview

Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, overview

 Sustainable Energy 

 Geothermal 

By Putra
5 minutes read

Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant is located in the Philippines and is one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world. 

Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal Power Plant: A Table Summary

Location: Albay, Philippines Type: Geothermal power plant Technology: Flash steam cycle Capacity: 620 MW (Tiwi: 330 MW, MakBan: 290 MW) Owner: Energy Development Corporation (EDC) Status: Operational Commissioning Year: Tiwi: 1979, MakBan: 1982 Annual Generation: Approximately 4,000 GWh

FeatureDescription
LocationAlbay, Philippines
TypeGeothermal power plant
TechnologyFlash steam cycle
Capacity620 MW (Tiwi: 330 MW, MakBan: 290 MW)
OwnerEnergy Development Corporation (EDC)
StatusOperational
Commissioning YearTiwi: 1979, MakBan: 1982
Annual GenerationApproximately 4,000 GWh

Key Points:

  • Largest geothermal field in the Philippines: Tiwi-MakBan is the largest geothermal field in the Philippines.
  • Two separate plants: It consists of two plants: Tiwi and MakBan.
  • Flash steam technology: Both plants use the traditional flash steam cycle to convert high-pressure geothermal fluids into steam for power generation.


The plant is operated by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and generates electricity from the natural steam produced by the geothermal reservoirs in the area.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant consists of two separate facilities: the Tiwi geothermal power plant located in the town of Tiwi in the province of Albay, and the MakBan geothermal power plant located in the town of Bay in the province of Laguna. The Tiwi plant has a capacity of 330 megawatts (MW), while the MakBan plant has a capacity of 1,100 MW, making the total capacity of the Tiwi-MakBan complex 1,430 MW.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant was first developed in the 1970s by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), and was later privatized in 2007 when EDC acquired the facilities. The plant plays a significant role in the energy mix of the Philippines, as it provides clean and renewable energy to the Luzon grid, which serves the country's most populated island.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant is not only an important source of energy for the Philippines, but it also serves as an example of how geothermal energy can be harnessed to produce electricity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.


History of Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in the Philippines has a long and interesting history. The first geothermal exploration in the area was carried out by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) in the early 1970s. In 1976, the Tiwi geothermal power plant, the first geothermal power plant in the country, was commissioned with an initial capacity of 49.4 MW.

In 1979, the MakBan geothermal power plant was commissioned, and it became the largest geothermal power plant in the world at that time, with an initial capacity of 458 MW. The MakBan plant was later expanded to its current capacity of 1,100 MW, making it one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant was initially owned and operated by PNOC, which was later privatized in 2007. The Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate First Gen Corporation, acquired the Tiwi-MakBan facilities for $930 million.

Since EDC took over the operation of the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant, the company has invested heavily in the facilities, including the installation of new equipment and the implementation of various upgrades and maintenance programs. These efforts have helped to ensure that the plant operates efficiently and reliably, providing clean and renewable energy to the Luzon grid, which serves the country's most populated island.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant has played a significant role in the development of geothermal energy in the Philippines and has helped to position the country as a leader in the use of this renewable energy source.


Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines Technology

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in the Philippines uses advanced geothermal technology to generate electricity from the natural steam produced by the geothermal reservoirs in the area. 

Here are some of the technologies and processes used in the plant:

Geothermal wells: The plant has numerous geothermal wells that tap into the natural steam and hot water produced by the geothermal reservoirs located deep underground. These wells are drilled using advanced drilling technology and are lined with steel casing to prevent the wellbore from collapsing.

Steam turbines: The natural steam produced by the geothermal reservoirs is used to power steam turbines, which are connected to electric generators that produce electricity. The Tiwi-MakBan plant uses both single-stage and double-stage steam turbines.

Cooling systems: After the steam has been used to power the turbines, it is condensed back into water using a cooling system. The plant uses various cooling systems, including air-cooled condensers and water-cooled condensers, to ensure that the steam is efficiently condensed.

Reinjection systems: Once the steam has been condensed, the resulting hot water is pumped back into the geothermal reservoirs through reinjection systems. This process helps to maintain the pressure and temperature of the reservoirs, ensuring a sustainable source of geothermal energy.

Monitoring and control systems: The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant is equipped with advanced monitoring and control systems that enable operators to monitor the performance of the plant and adjust the processes as needed to optimize efficiency and reliability.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant uses a combination of advanced drilling, turbine, and cooling technologies to harness the natural energy produced by the geothermal reservoirs in the area and generate clean and renewable electricity for the Philippines.


Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, Environment Impact

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in the Philippines has both positive and negative environmental impacts. 

Here are some of the key environmental impacts of the plant:

Positive impacts:

Renewable energy: The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant provides clean and renewable energy to the Luzon grid, which serves the country's most populated island. The use of geothermal energy helps to reduce the Philippines' dependence on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduced air pollution: The use of geothermal energy at the Tiwi-MakBan plant produces significantly less air pollution than conventional power plants that use fossil fuels.

Reduced land use: Compared to other forms of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, geothermal energy requires less land area for the same amount of energy production.

Negative impacts:

Land use and alteration: The construction of the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant required the clearing of land and the alteration of natural landscapes, which can have negative impacts on local ecosystems.

Noise pollution: The operation of the plant, including the drilling of geothermal wells and the running of turbines, can produce significant noise pollution that can disrupt local wildlife and human communities.

Water use: The plant requires large amounts of water to operate, and the pumping of water from the geothermal reservoirs can lead to the depletion of local water sources.

Geothermal fluid discharge: The reinjection of geothermal fluid into the reservoirs can sometimes result in the discharge of wastewater, which can contain high levels of minerals and chemicals that can have negative impacts on local water sources and ecosystems.

While the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant provides significant benefits in terms of renewable energy and reduced air pollution, it also has some negative impacts on the environment that need to be carefully managed and mitigated.


Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, Economical Impact

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in the Philippines has significant economic impacts, both locally and nationally. 

Here are some of the key economic impacts of the plant:

Job creation: The construction and operation of the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant has created numerous jobs for local residents and skilled professionals. The plant employs a significant number of workers in various roles, including engineers, technicians, and support staff.

Local business opportunities: The presence of the plant has created opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services to the plant and its employees. This includes everything from catering and transportation services to the supply of materials and equipment.

Electricity generation: The Tiwi-MakBan plant is a significant source of electricity for the Luzon grid, which serves the country's most populated island. The plant's capacity of over 1,000 MW helps to ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity for homes, businesses, and industries across the region.

Foreign investment: The development and operation of the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant has attracted significant foreign investment to the Philippines. The plant has been operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate First Gen Corporation, since its privatization in 2007.

Reduced energy costs: The use of geothermal energy at the Tiwi-MakBan plant helps to reduce energy costs for consumers by providing a lower-cost alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant has had significant positive economic impacts on both the local and national levels, including job creation, local business opportunities, and foreign investment. In addition, the plant's significant contribution to electricity generation has helped to ensure a stable and reliable supply of energy for the Luzon grid, which is essential for the country's economic growth and development.


Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, Energy Contibution

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant is one of the largest and most important sources of energy in the Philippines. 

Here are some key details about the plant's energy contribution:

Installed capacity: The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant has an installed capacity of over 1,000 MW, making it one of the largest sources of electricity in the country. The plant is made up of two geothermal complexes - the Tiwi complex, which has an installed capacity of 330 MW, and the MakBan complex, which has an installed capacity of over 700 MW.

Electricity generation: The plant generates electricity by harnessing the heat energy from the earth's core, which is used to power steam turbines that generate electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to the Luzon grid, which serves the country's most populated island.

Renewable energy: The use of geothermal energy at the Tiwi-MakBan plant is a key part of the Philippines' renewable energy mix. The country has set a target of generating 35% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, and the Tiwi-MakBan plant is an important contributor to this goal.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: The use of geothermal energy at the Tiwi-MakBan plant helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation. The plant's use of geothermal energy avoids the emission of millions of tons of CO2 each year that would have been generated by traditional fossil fuel-based power plants.

Energy security: The Tiwi-MakBan plant is a critical source of energy for the Philippines, helping to ensure energy security and reliability for the Luzon grid. The plant's capacity helps to meet the energy needs of homes, businesses, and industries across the region.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant is a significant source of renewable energy in the Philippines, providing a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the Luzon grid. The plant's use of geothermal energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports the country's energy security and economic growth.


Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, Running By

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in the Philippines is operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen Corporation. EDC is the largest producer of geothermal energy in the Philippines and operates several other geothermal plants in the country.

EDC took over the operation of the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in 2007 after winning the government's auction for the plant's privatization. Since then, EDC has invested in upgrades and modernization of the plant to improve its efficiency and reliability.

The Tiwi-MakBan plant is managed by a team of skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and support staff. The plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with regular maintenance and inspections to ensure optimal performance.

In addition to operating the Tiwi-MakBan plant, EDC is also involved in the exploration and development of geothermal resources in the Philippines. The company has a strong commitment to sustainable development and operates in an environmentally responsible manner, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting social and economic development in the communities where it operates.

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant is a critical source of energy in the Philippines, and its operation by EDC ensures the plant's efficient and reliable operation for the benefit of the Luzon grid and the country as a whole.


Conclusion of Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal power plant- Philippines, overview

The Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plant in the Philippines is one of the largest and most important sources of renewable energy in the country. 

With an installed capacity of over 1,000 MW, the plant generates electricity by harnessing the heat energy from the earth's core through the use of geothermal technology. The plant is operated by Energy Development Corporation (EDC), which is the largest producer of geothermal energy in the Philippines and is committed to sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

The Tiwi-MakBan plant provides a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the Luzon grid, helping to meet the energy needs of homes, businesses, and industries across the region. Its use of geothermal energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports the country's energy security and economic growth. 

The plant has had a positive impact on the environment, the economy, and the energy sector in the Philippines, and it continues to be an important contributor to the country's renewable energy mix.

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