Maibarara taps EEI for 20-MW power project

By Ted P. Torres (The Philippine Star) Updated September 05, 2011 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Maibarara Geothermal Inc. has tapped EEI Corp., one of the country’s leading construction firms, for the engineering, procurement and construction of the 20-megawatt (MW) Maibarara power facility.


There are reports likewise that Maibarara Geothermal also tapped Fuji Electric Philippines to operate and maintain the power project.


EEI is a subsidiary of Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC).


Maibarara Geothermal already signed a transmission service agreement and connection agreement with the National Grid Corp. of the Philipines (NGCP).


PetroGreen Energy Corp. owns 65 percent of Maibarara Geothermal, while Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. controls 25 percent and PNOC Renewables Corp. at 10 percent. PetroGreen Energy is a subsidiary of PetroEnergy Resources Corp.


“Maibarara Geothermal will also fund the construction of the transmission line,” Francisco Viray, Trans-Asia president, said.


The joint venture aims to develop the Maibarara geothermal steam field located at the western flank of Mount Makiling. The project was initially pegged at 40 MW of capacity with a project cost of P2.8 billion.


Last May, Maibarara Geothermal reported that two production wells at the Maibarara project reached commercial output.


Reports indicate that the two wells have attained commercial wellhead pressures, stable chemistry suitable for steam supply to a power plant, and an aggregate capacity of about 15 MW.