Tanawon Geothermal Plant Boosts Philippines’ Clean Energy in 2025
On August 1, 2025, the Philippines took a bold step toward a sustainable future with the activation of the Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant in Sorsogon, located 600 km southeast of Manila. Operated by Energy Development Corp (EDC), the world’s leading vertically integrated geothermal company, this ₱7-billion ($120 million), 22-megawatt (MW) facility marks a significant milestone in the nation’s renewable energy journey. Nestled within the Bacon-Manito (Bac-Man) geothermal complex, the plant harnesses geothermal energy from the Earth’s core to deliver clean, reliable power to the Luzon grid. With partnerships from Toshiba and a focus on carbon emission reduction, this project underscores the Philippines’ commitment to energy security and climate resilience.
A New Era for Geothermal Energy in the Philippines
The Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant, launched on August 1, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the Philippines’ renewable energy sector. Developed by EDC, a subsidiary of First Gen Corp, the 22MW facility was completed after 27 months of rigorous construction and technical collaboration. Located in Sorsogon, within the Bac-Man geothermal complex, the plant taps into the Earth’s natural heat near two of the country’s active volcanoes—Mayon and Bulusan. This strategic location allows the facility to generate an estimated 159,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to 159 GWh, powering thousands of homes and businesses in the Bicol region.
The plant’s activation aligns with the Philippines’ Renewable Energy Roadmap, which aims to increase the renewable energy share to 35% by 2030. By producing clean, baseload power, Tanawon reduces reliance on coal, which currently accounts for 31% of the Philippines’ electricity mix. The facility is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 38,312 tonnes annually, reinforcing EDC’s commitment to a decarbonized future. This achievement resonates with global audiences, including those in the Middle East, where countries like the UAE are also prioritizing sustainable energy initiatives.
Strategic Location and Environmental Impact
The Bac-Man geothermal complex, where Tanawon is situated, is a powerhouse of geothermal energy in the Philippines. Straddling the Mayon and Bulusan volcanoes, this region offers a unique geological advantage for harnessing steam from the Earth’s core. The Tanawon plant leverages this natural resource to produce clean energy that is both reliable and sustainable. Unlike solar or wind power, which depend on weather conditions, geothermal energy provides 24/7 baseload power, making it a critical component for stabilizing the Luzon grid.
The environmental benefits of the Tanawon plant are significant. By generating 159 GWh annually, it offsets the equivalent of burning thousands of tons of coal, contributing to a low-carbon future. This aligns with global sustainability goals, such as those championed in the UAE, where initiatives like Masdar drive renewable energy innovation. The plant’s modest scale—22MW compared to larger facilities like EDC’s 232.5MW Malitbog plant in Leyte—does not diminish its impact. Instead, it showcases how targeted projects can enhance energy security while addressing climate change.
Partnerships Driving Innovation
The Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant was brought to life through strategic partnerships with leading global firms. Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corp (Toshiba ESS) and Toshiba (Philippines) Inc collaborated with EDC’s subsidiary, Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. (BGI), to deliver the 20MW flash geothermal power plant. Initially scheduled for commissioning in November 2024, the project was completed ahead of schedule, demonstrating the efficiency of this collaboration. Mizuho-Toshiba Leasing oversees emissions reporting under Japan’s Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), ensuring transparency in the plant’s carbon reduction efforts.
These partnerships highlight EDC’s strategy of leveraging advanced technology and international expertise to optimize geothermal resource utilization. The use of flash geothermal technology allows the plant to efficiently convert high-pressure steam into electricity, maximizing output from the Bac-Man complex. This approach mirrors efforts in the Middle East, where technological innovation drives projects like DEWA’s clean energy initiatives in Dubai.
Strengthening the Luzon Grid
The Luzon grid, which serves the Philippines’ most populous region, faces a growing electricity demand projected to rise by 4.5% annually. The Tanawon plant plays a crucial role in meeting this demand by supplying stable, baseload power to the Bicol region and beyond. Unlike coal plants, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, geothermal facilities like Tanawon offer a sustainable alternative that enhances grid reliability. This is particularly important in a region prone to natural disasters, where consistent power supply is critical for climate resilience.
The Tanawon plant complements EDC’s existing 140MW Bac-Man facility, which has been a cornerstone of the Luzon grid for years. By adding 22MW of capacity, Tanawon helps reduce the grid’s dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) goals for a cleaner energy mix. The project’s Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS), awarded in November 2020, underscores its importance to national energy security.
A Modest Yet Impactful Addition
While the Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant is smaller than other EDC projects, such as the 232.5MW Malitbog plant in Leyte or the 28.9MW Palayan Bayan binary plant in Bac-Man, its contribution is significant. The Palayan Bayan plant, inaugurated recently, uses Turboden’s Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology to harness waste heat, showcasing EDC’s commitment to innovation. Similarly, the 32MW Maibarara project in Batangas, a public-private partnership, plans further expansion, reflecting the dynamic growth of the Philippines’ geothermal sector.
Tanawon’s 22MW capacity may seem modest, but it aligns with EDC’s broader portfolio, which accounts for 1,484.13MW—61% of the Philippines’ geothermal capacity. As the world’s third-largest geothermal power producer, behind the United States and Indonesia, the Philippines leverages its volcanic landscape to generate 1.9 gigawatts (GW), contributing 14.6% to the national electricity mix. Tanawon’s activation strengthens this legacy, positioning the country as a global leader in renewable energy.
Why Tanawon Matters for the Philippines and Beyond
The Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant is more than a local achievement—it’s a model for sustainable development worldwide. In the Middle East, where countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in renewable energy, Tanawon’s success highlights the potential of geothermal power in volcanic regions. The plant’s ability to deliver clean, reliable energy while reducing carbon emissions aligns with global climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.
For the Philippines, Tanawon strengthens the Bicol region’s economy by creating jobs and supporting local infrastructure. It also enhances energy resilience, ensuring communities have access to power during peak demand or natural disasters. The project’s early completion, driven by partnerships with Toshiba and Mizuho, demonstrates the power of international collaboration in advancing clean energy solutions.
Lessons for the Middle East and UAE
The Middle East, particularly the UAE, can draw inspiration from the Tanawon project. While the region lacks volcanic activity for geothermal energy, the UAE’s investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen reflect a similar commitment to sustainability. Projects like Masdar City and DEWA’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park mirror EDC’s focus on innovation and carbon reduction. By sharing knowledge and technology, regions like the Philippines and the UAE can collaborate to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy.
The Future of Geothermal Energy in the Philippines
The Philippines’ DOE aims to expand geothermal capacity as part of its Renewable Energy Roadmap. With EDC leading the charge, projects like Tanawon pave the way for future developments. The company’s portfolio, spanning Luzon, Leyte, Negros, and Mindanao, positions the Philippines as a global leader in geothermal energy. As demand for clean power grows, EDC’s focus on innovation and efficiency will drive further advancements.
The Tanawon plant also sets a precedent for smaller-scale projects that deliver outsized impacts. By integrating advanced technologies like flash geothermal and ORC systems, EDC maximizes resource efficiency, offering a blueprint for other nations with geothermal potential.
