Geothermal energy in Asia-Pacific regions.
*Indonesia: Politics Challenge Geothermal Development
*The Philippines: Power Still Out in Some Luzon-Visayas Communities; SKI Seeks Dialogue with Opposition
Recently, Hezy Ram of Ram Energy International discussed geothermal development in Indonesia in a ThinkGeoEnergy guest post. Ram largely describes the political challenges that have held back the country with the highest amount of known geothermal resources from further development.
The Philippines’ Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda commented in a statement on the energy situation in the geothermal Visayas area, which was extensively damaged in November’s typhoon. “The Luzon-Visayas connection was down, the major geothermal plant in Leyte was also down and generation, transmission and distribution lines were down,” Lacierda said. “In the face of these challenges, the accomplishment of Secretary Petilla speaks for itself.” Lacierda was referring to Energy Secretary Petilla’s offer to resign since he did not reconnect all towns to the grid by Christmas Eve as he had promised–three towns remained unconnected as of the deadline. His offer was rejected by President Aquino.
Also in the Philippines, Summa Kumagai Inc. (SKI) is seeking a discussion with the parties (Irosin Coalition Against Geothermal) that oppose its multimillion-dollar geothermal project in Sorsogon. SKI is seeking the World Wildlife Fund to observe or moderate the dialogue.
