Geothermal boost eyed with tech, government aid

Despite its abundant geothermal resources, the Philippines continues to hold the third spot globally in geothermal capacity.

- By GABRIELL CHRISTEL GALANG

To rise in ranking and maximize opportunities for 24/7 baseload power, Lopez-led First Gen Corp. (FGen) explained the need for better technologies and stronger government support.

On the sidelines of Asia Clean Energy Summit 2025, Jay Soriano, FGen vice president and head of strategy and planning, said that emerging geothermal technologies would help increase the country’s geothermal capacity, which is approximately 1,900 megawatts (MW). The United States (US) currently holds the top spot globally at 3,937 MW, while Indonesia ranks second at 2,653 MW.

“The traditional geothermal technology still makes sense, but to expand, to retain our leadership position, I think we need to start looking at other technologies that are still quite nascent. Technologies that have potential in the Philippines... Like low en-thalpy, closed-loop cycles,” he told reporters in an ambush interview on Tuesday, Oct. 28.