Proposed geothermal project in Biliran, Philippines faces opposition from local government due to potential environmental and human rights risks, including co. response and non-response
The push to develop geothermal power in Biliran, Philippines has been going on for decades but has struggled to gain momentum. In 2024, a new consortium — including AG&P Industrial, Cresphil Inc., Energy Stream Power Corp., and Royal Eijkelkamp — announced it would take over the management and development of Biliran II Geothermal Project or BIIG, which potentially can produce 50 to 70 megawatts across an 11,178-hectare area.
Local and Provincial authorities stated that no permit has been issued for the project. Biliran Governor Rogelio Espina said that he will not grant permits for BIIG to proceed anywhere in the province. Opponents of the project allege that geothermal activity could lead to environmental disasters, though officials noted that no specific study has confirmed such risks.
The Business & Human Rights Centre invited AG&P Industrial, Cresphil Inc., Energy Stream Power Corp., and Royal Eijkelkamp. Cresphil Inc could not be reached. Energy Stream Power Corp. responded. The responses are linked below.