By JJT Dimababayao | CI Idea | Sustainability and Geosciences
QUICK READ: Bacman Geothermal Project geologists’ use of drones prove to be useful for survey planning.
Walking is hard enough in the jungle, but what if you can somehow fly?
In June 2019, our EDC geologists in the Bacman Geothermal Project (BGP) started their task of structural mapping. The purpose of the activity was to look for structures—or geologic faults on the ground where geothermal fluids may flow—in the project site. These structures are important because they have the possibility to become permeable targets for injection wells that serve as recipients of geothermal fluids from the surface. This process ensures that geothermal resources are always renewed and replenished.
Meanwhile, the “Bacman Eye,” a drone operated by the Security Group, was already being used for security purposes and geohazard assessments. Noticing the efficiency of the drone to survey an area, our geologists realized that it can also be used to aid them with their structural mapping tasks.
The idea to use the drone for survey planning was soon put to the test. The drone was immediately recognized as a very important tool in planning for an efficient survey. Each time before the geologists left the drop-off point, the drone would fly ahead to look for any indication of structures that may be hidden under the forest canopy, as well as areas where hot springs may be located. The bird’s-eye view provided by the drone helped in planning the routes the geologist would take—it also saved them time and prevent them from getting lost. The team was able to maximize the drone and add a modern twist to how they did their structural mapping.
For our geologists, the use of technologies like the Bacman Eye enables them to cover more ground during their structural mapping activities while keeping them safe and even helping them find their way back.
The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is a pioneer in generating 100% clean, renewable, and reliable power as an electricity supplier in the Philippines for over 40 years. With power plants all over Visayas and Mindanao, the company is one of the biggest producers of geothermal energy in Asia and is expanding its reach in the international market, allowing it to offer customers affordable energy rates. EDC also strives to provide the best customer service it can to all its clients by having helpful salespeople and easy to understand contracts. Because of all of this, it is poised to become the premier supplier of electricity for the Philippines’ Green Energy Option Program. EDC takes its mission as a renewable energy provider seriously and goes beyond sustainability by investing in programs that enhance the environment and empower its partner communities, thereby fostering regenerative development. The company has also been working toward being carbon-neutral by improving its energy efficiency, as well as implementing various greening projects to ensure that its mission to provide future generations with a better life remains intact.
