Meet Quezon Power's Frank Thiel at the 2018 Asian Power Utility Forum in Manila

Thiel will discuss the plight of renewables in a coal-focussed country.

Frank Thiel currently serves as Managing Director of Quezon Power (Philippines), Limited Co. (QPL) with the primary responsibility of maintaining the profitability of the company’s 460MW coal-fired power project in Mauban, Quezon.

Thiel is also the General Manager for the San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. (SBPL), a new 500MW supercritical coal-fired plant located also in Mauban, Quezon.

As part of his responsibilities, he also manages contracts, financial, commercial, and regulatory activities related to the power project.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director for QPL in 2012, Thiel served as Vice President and Regional General Manager for InterGen Services Inc.’s Mexico unit where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the 1,100MW La Rosita Power Project, 271MW Chihuahua Power Project, 252MW Campeche Power Project, and 51% of the 600MW Bajio Power Project.

Thiel will be among the speakers at the 2018 Asian Power Utility Forum, Manila leg. The event will be happening on February 27 at Makati Shangri-La. 

What are your previous experiences and positions held that contributed to who you are as an expert in the power industry today?

Over 40 years in the power industry as a designer, engineer, field service, construction and operations and maintenance. Plants included nuclear, gas fired combined cycles, waste to energy, and coal fired. Moved from design to management.

What are your key business philosophies?

Safety first, followed by environment, ethics. Money comes last.

Can you give us a glimpse of what you will talk about at the Asian Power Utility Forum?

I will join a panel that will discuss the plight of renewables in a coal oriented country. With renewables making inroads and costs coming down, grid parity with coal is not far away. Market conditions, supply and demand will dictate the best option forward. Is renewable base load an option?