Constellation Energy Corp. (CEC) will develop lakeshore areas near its 20-megawatt geothermal power project in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines into a hot spring and wellness centre.

The project in Naujan Lake in Montelago, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro is scheduled to be commissioned in 2014 and aims to showcase a healthy mix of green energy and green tourism.

CEC chair, Jose Leviste Jr., said: “Green energy is the way to go. Power, tourism and health rejuvenation can mix. This is possible with renewable power energy.”

CEC, along with partners Emerging Power Resource Holdings Inc. and IF Technology of The Netherlands, started work on the Mindoro geothermal project, which could have the potential to generating up to 70 MW.

Emerging Power project chief executive Antonie de Wilde said the development of the Montelago hot spring and wellness resort would put Naujan in travellers list of top destinations in the country.

De Wilde said the project would be similar to the well-known Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavik, Iceland where geothermal seawater, with its minerals, silica and algae, is tapped to provide a rejuvenating spa.

Leviste said apart from providing power needed by a booming island, the hot spring and wellness centre would become an entirely new attraction for Mindoro, known for its beaches and resorts.

“The hot spring resort will boost Oriental Mindoro’s economy and tourism,” Leviste said.

He said while a law was passed declaring the Montelago hot springs a tourist resort, the place had not developed much over the years for lack of investors willing to pump in money into the remote barangay.