The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) hosted the first International Geothermal Conference last October 2-3, 2019 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Man
The event was attended by 261 delegates, not just from the Philippines, but also from countries like New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Canada, and Japan . With the conference theme of “Beyond Conventional: Tapping New Geothermal Frontiers” the keynote addresses were given by EDC President Richard B. Tantoco, National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) Chair, Atty. Mona Dimalanta, and Assistant Secretary Robert Uy of the Philippine Department of Energy. Their talks centered on the role of geothermal energy in the development of the country’s energy sector, and the importance of synergy between developers to overcome market competition from other Renewable Energy (RE) sources.
Representatives from Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, and the Philippines gave updates on geothermal development and initiatives from their respective countries. Succeeding technical presentations included topics on new technologies, acid resources, exploration of low to medium enthalpy energy sources, and reservoir characterization. Support services such as well diagnostics, database management and updates on the implementation of TRAIN II on RE projects were also presented.
A cocktail was held in the same venue after the first day of the conference.
Several delegates signed-up for the short field trip scheduled after the conference. The group toured the Makban Geothermal Field and Maibarara Geothermal Power Facility both located south of Metro Manila.
With the success of the conference, NGAP plans to hold the next international conference in 2-3 yrs time.
Members of the International Geothermal Association – Asia-Western Pacific Regional Branch also graced the conference and held their Annual General Assy at the same venue. The IGA-AWPRB were represented by Surya Darma (Indonesia), Toshihiro Uchida (Japan), Larry Bayrante (Philippines), Graeme Beardsmore (Australia), Andrew Rae (New Zealand), Shigeto Yamada (Japan).
Photo 1. Keynote speakers Ricky Tantoco, DOE Asec Robert Uy and NREB Chairman Atty Mona Dimalanta with the NGAP Board of Trustees during the opening ceremony of the First Philippine Geothermal Conference.
Photo 2. Presenters from different countries with the some NGAP Board of Trustee
Photo 3. The NGAP Board of Trustees showing smiles at the end of the 2nd day of the First Philippine Geothermal Conference.
Post conference field trip at the APRI’s Makban geothermal facilities in Batangas.