Advancing environmental compliance at Bac-Man Geothermal Project

The Bac-Man Geothermal Project operates within a large and complex geothermal reservation that spans multiple sites and generating units. Its long operational history and continued expansion meant that environmental commitments sit across several frameworks, including the Environmental Compliance Certificate and the 2017 Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan.

EDC required an independent review that could validate compliance while recognising the realities of day-to-day plant operations. This included confirming that mitigation measures remain active, monitoring programs continue to perform effectively and environmental risks reflect current site conditions. The audit needed to identify opportunities to strengthen environmental management in a changing regulatory and environmental context.

The scale of operations introduced practical constraints. A single site visit needed to capture a reliable snapshot of performance across the steamfield and associated facilities. Each facility has its own operational characteristics, requiring careful coordination and targeted assessment during the audit process. 

Our team designed a structured audit approach that combined detailed document review with targeted on-site validation. We assessed compliance against Environmental Compliance Certificate conditions and examined how commitments in the Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan are applied across operations.

Our review covered key elements of the Environmental Management Plan, including the Impact Management Plan, Social Development Plan, Information and Education Campaign, and Environmental Risk Assessment. We also assessed the Environmental Monitoring Plan to confirm that monitoring activities align with regulatory requirements and site commitments.

Working closely with plant teams, we observed how environmental controls operate under live conditions, how risks are managed in practice and how teams respond to evolving environmental pressures. This direct engagement enabled us to validate performance across the site.

We then consolidated our findings into a comprehensive environmental audit report that presented clear, evidence-based observations and practical recommendations that can be integrated into existing systems. We prioritised actions to improve documentation clarity, strengthen the responsiveness of monitoring processes and refine the environmental risk register to better reflect current conditions. 

Our work provided First Gen’s EDC and Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. with a clear and independent assessment of environmental performance across the facility. We confirmed compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate conditions and management commitments, supporting ongoing regulatory confidence and operational continuity.

The audit identified opportunities to strengthen environmental governance. Updates to the environmental risk register support more informed decision-making, while refinements to monitoring and documentation improve transparency and accountability across operations.

The Bac-Man facility continues to deliver low-carbon energy within the Luzon-Visayas grid, with carbon intensity levels that remain significantly below the grid average. Maintaining strong environmental compliance supports this contribution and reinforces the role of geothermal energy within the country’s renewable energy mix.

Our work positions EDC to lead with evidence, operate with confidence and continue advancing renewable energy in the Philippines. The Bac-Man Geothermal Project demonstrates that disciplined environmental management and reliable clean energy can move forward together, even in demanding operating conditions.