Design of 30 MW Geothermal Power Plant in Oriental Mindoro

Presented to

The School of Mechanical Engineering

North Eastern Mindanao State University

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements of ME-321 Power Plant Design With Renewable Energy for
the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Submitted by:
Mike E. Suan

March 2024
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
 1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT AND INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 Background of the Study
Since its inception, electricity has become one of humanity’s fundamental needs.
The demand for electricity continues to increase globally and is projected to continually
increase further. As such, power generation also becomes increasingly important. In the
Philippines, power generation is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. The installed capacity for
the country in 2019 was 15,124 MW, more than 70% of which was generated using
fossil.
However, this dependence on fossil fuels have resulted to several negative
consequences. The Philippines imports fossil fuels which have led to inflexibility, high
and unstable power costs, and trade deficits. In addition to this, fossil fuels have been
linked as primary contributors to environmental crisis
This necessitates the need for alternative means of power generation. The
Philippines is in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a series of tectonically active structures
surrounding the Pacific Ocean which has significant prospects for geothermal energy.
As such, power generation by geothermal means is an attractive prospect for the
Philippine energy mix. In fact, the Philippines is the second largest geothermal energy
producer globally.
One location in the Philippines that has been identified of having a geothermal
prospect is Sorsogon City. A geothermal power plant is yet to be established in the
province. Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. (BGI), is one of the geothermal power stations
operated by Energy Development Corporation in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon
in the Philippines. In this paper, a design of a single flash geothermal power plant is
proposed. The power plant is intended to cater for the 8MW base load power demand in
.
Background of the Study

Technological advancements have significantly impacted energy extraction, enabling the use of
new and clean resources to obtain new and clean resources. Technology advancements in energy
generation are shaping a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy future. One example of this is
geothermal energy. Geothermal energy, a continuous and ubiquitous source of energy, has been used
for thousands of years. The first power plant was built in 1904 in Tuscany, Italy, harnessing natural
steam from the earth. Over time, technologies have evolved to explore geothermal energy deeper,
exploring it deeper than 10 miles. Geothermal energy has a massive potential to cover human energy
needs for centuries. Researchers are investigating the economic feasibility of sustainable geothermal
power plant operation using a hybrid techno-economic model that considers endogenized plant lifetime
and the trade-off between profit maximization and sustainable operation. Different criteria for
sustainable geothermal energy use are derived, including extraction equals recharge and operating
lifetime. Although hydrothermal systems can meet some sustainability criteria, economically optimal
operation may lead to overexploitation.

Geothermal energy is generated and collected in the Earth, with thermal power measuring the
temperature of substance. The Earth's temperature is escalating with depth, and the entire heat flux
from the Earth's interior amounts to 90 mWth/m2. However, only a fraction of this energy can be
utilized by humans. Geothermal properties are achieved when the heat outer valves from the Earth's
core, melting rocks and forming magma.

The study aims to reduce the use of toxic energy sources and harness Earth's heat for clean,
sustainable electricity. It also explores the potential of improving current geothermal power stations by
learning about their operation.

Statement of the Problem

Despite the abundant availability of geothermal energy worldwide, there are several challenges
hindering its widespread adoption. This research aims to address the following key issues:

1. What are the best practices for maintaining geothermal power plants over their operational
lifetime?
2. How can geothermal power compete with other renewable energy sources in the market?
3. How can we optimize plant efficiency while minimizing environmental impact?
4. Why do geothermal power plants have fewer negative impacts on the environment
compared to other energy sources?

Objective of the Study

The researchers are expected to achieve the following objectives at the end of the study:

 Design an 8MW geothermal powerplant in Bislig City,

 Identify the cost of each materials to be used,
 Present a step-by-step process in the making of the project.
Significance of the Study:

This study will help to boost economic growth, energy independence, and energy security in the
Philippines. These plants have a small land footprint, minimal environmental impact, and contribute to
local economic growth. They also provide employment opportunities and reduce the country's
dependence on imported fuels.

An affordable renewable energy source that provides a reliable energy source is crucial for
power grid stability. This will also help the Philippine government, which aims to increase its renewable
energy capacity to 15,304 MW by 2030, including 1495 MW for geothermal capacity. The Philippines is
also one of the world's top producers of geothermal power, enhancing its global position in the
renewable energy landscape.

The development of these power plants could bring significant economic benefits, promote
sustainable development, and enhance the country's energy future.