Enhancing Operational Resilience in Delivering Clean and Renewable Energy: Integrating Multidisciplinary Approaches to Mitigate Flood and Landslide Hazards in Geothermal Production Fields

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly affecting the Philippines, bringing more intense and frequent hydro-meteorological events in recent years. With the country being highly vulnerable to natural hazards, it is imperative that proactive hazard mitigation strategies be employed to ensure the stability and continuous operation of geothermal power facilities despite adverse weather conditions. This study presents three case studies from geothermal production fields in the Philippines, where cascading geohazards—including earthquake-induced slope weakening, prolonged rainfall-triggered landslides, and flooding associated with landslide dam breaches—have caused significant operational disruptions and infrastructure damage. In one case, a breached landslide dam upstream triggered debris-laden flow that obstructed a critical drainage structure, resulting in unexpected flooding despite relatively low recorded rainfall at the facility. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, landslide inventory mapping, and geotechnical assessment to evaluate hazard interactions and identify vulnerable areas. The results highlight how initial triggering events can initiate a series of interrelated processes, where slope instability, sediment transport, and drainage blockage collectively amplify the impacts on geothermal infrastructure. Risk-based assessments were conducted to support the prioritization of mitigation measures, enabling more efficient allocation of resources. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a systems-based approach to geohazard assessment, supported by collaborative efforts among technical disciplines and stakeholders. Such approaches are essential in enhancing the operational resilience of geothermal facilities and ensuring the sustained delivery of clean and renewable energy under increasing climate variability.