ARKANSAS, Nov 14 (Future Headlines)- The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed a grant agreement with the Philippines’ Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to conduct a feasibility study and pilot project aimed at increasing geothermal power production. The project will leverage GreenLoop technology from California-based company GreenFire Energy (GFE) to enhance the performance of EDC’s geothermal fields. GreenLoop is an advanced geothermal system designed to revitalize existing geothermal sites that may have experienced a decline over time.

USTDA has signed a grant agreement with EDC to facilitate a feasibility study and pilot project. The project aims to increase geothermal power production in EDC’s fields using GreenLoop technology from GreenFire Energy.

GreenLoop is an advanced geothermal system that enhances the performance of existing geothermal sites, including idle wells. The technology provides a cost-effective and timely solution for generating power compared to developing new plants from the ground up. GreenFire Energy has previously signed similar agreements, including partnerships in Kenya with KenGen and in Taiwan with CPC Corporation.

The grant will pilot GreenLoop technology at one of EDC’s idle wells in Leyte, Philippines. The project will also involve developing an implementation strategy to expand the pilot throughout EDC’s operational geothermal fields.

USTDA emphasizes the collaboration between the United States and the Philippines to support the latter’s clean energy goals. The partnership leverages cutting-edge innovations to reduce emissions and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.

Both the United States and the Philippines are highlighted as two of the world’s largest geothermal power producers. The collaboration aims to benefit from U.S. innovations that enhance the efficiency and output of clean energy infrastructure.

The grant from USTDA is recognized as a step in supporting the Philippines’ transition to renewable energy. The adoption of new and emerging technologies, such as GreenLoop, is seen as instrumental in accelerating the deployment of renewable power.

EDC expresses excitement about trialing GreenFire Energy’s GreenLoop technology. The company anticipates deploying GreenLoop systems across its geothermal fleet, showcasing a commitment to innovative clean energy technologies.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, emphasizes how the U.S. government is partnering with Filipino and American private sectors to pioneer technologies supporting energy security and the clean energy transition.

Joseph Scherer, CEO of GreenFire Energy, mentions that the project is the first step toward demonstrating the effectiveness of GreenLoop in producing geothermal power. The pilot project is considered a precursor to the scale-up of commercial deployments at EDC’s geothermal sites in the Philippines.

The project aligns with U.S. government initiatives, such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, focusing on developing, expanding, and deploying innovative clean energy technologies to support energy security and sustainability.

The collaborative effort between USTDA, EDC, and GreenFire Energy reflects a commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient solutions in the geothermal power sector, contributing to the global transition to cleaner energy sources.

Reporting by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White