Kay Kimberly L. Kobayashi, Reservoir Geochemist

Kay Kimberly Kobayashi, a remarkable individual, embodies a unique blend of cultures and values. Born and raised in the city of Ormoc in Leyte, she cherishes her half-Japanese heritage and embraces the diversity it brings to her life.

Family holds immense importance to Kim. Her unwavering commitment to being a loving and caring daughter, sister, partner, and above all, a devoted mother demonstrates her deep-rooted connection to her loved ones. She prioritizes their well-being and fosters strong bonds, creating a harmonious and supportive family environment.

Kim is driven by her innate sense of determination and goal-oriented mindset. She sets personal goals that resonate with her passion and aspirations, continuously striving to turn them into reality. She is compassionate and empathetic, readily offering her support and understanding to others in times of need. Her strong sense of integrity and ethics guides her decisions and actions, earning her the respect and admiration of those who know her.

She began her career as a contractual employee in 2010 for GreenCore Geothermal Incorporated (GCGI), the Leyte subsidiary of Energy Development Corporation, as a Laboratory Technician working on the power plant water and gas analysis. She was then hired as a regular employee of GCGI as a Laboratory Analyst to perform the same task and ensure clean steam and cooling water for the continuous power plant operation. She served laboratory services for 5 years before she was transferred and assigned as a Geochemist of the Resource Management Group in 2015 during the company’s reorganization. She is responsible for developing and overseeing reservoir geochemistry-related projects and programs, interpreting geochemical processes that result from production, drilling, injection, and/or natural events, and recommending appropriate actions and strategies for efficient utilization of the geothermal resource. She works and collaborates with different groups both internal and external to EDC in streamlining the implementation of routine field activities, special projects, and studies.

She is a diligent, resilient, and hardworking colleague. She accepts challenges and finds them as opportunities for her career growth and learning. She gathers all possible data to have the whole picture and then breaks down the issues to their core to figure out the most effective solutions. Her innovation is a sample of this: gathering data through time and across the sector to figure out the problem and targeting the specific wells from which these issues occur to find innovative and strategic solutions aligned with the company’s goals. Her tenacity is shown in her personal life with how she fiercely supports and protects her family and friends. — Jansell Jamero, peer

Kim consistently surpasses expectations and delivers exceptional results with her unwavering work ethic and effectiveness. Her ability to perform under pressure and still deliver results is truly commendable. As a valuable asset to my team, I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend Kim for her outstanding contributions — Dayl Gamez, department head

Driven by her strong sense of continuous improvement, Kim implemented the project on Automated Calcite and Smectite Inhibition System Installation: Enhancing Efficiency and Performance. Geothermal energy is a sustainable and renewable source of power that harnesses the Earth's natural heat. However, geothermal systems often encounter a common challenge: the formation of calcium carbonate scales (calcites) and smectite scales. This scale can accumulate in the wellbore, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs. To address this issue, the implementation of a calcite or smectite inhibition system is crucial in geothermal operations.

A calcite or smectite inhibition system in geothermal applications involves the use of specialized chemicals and technologies to prevent the precipitation of calcium carbonate and smectite scales. These systems work by disrupting the chemical reactions that lead to scale formation and ensuring that the dissolved minerals remain in suspension, rather than depositing as the solid scale at the flash point or the mixing point of other metal-rich fluid.

The implementation of an automated calcite or smectite inhibition system brings several benefits to geothermal operations. It enhances the geothermal fluid's flow characteristics by slowing down the calcium carbonate or smectite scale formation. The system keeps the fluid pathways clear and free from obstructions, maintaining consistent flow rates and reducing the risk of flow restrictions or blockages. Thus, it ensures the longevity and reliability of a geothermal production well without the need for costly Rig Workovers. By mitigating scale formation, the system reduces the need for frequent maintenance and cleaning, minimizing downtime and extending the well’s useful life. This translates into 50% cost savings, improved operational sustainability by reducing the production well output decline rate by 24.3%, and an additional annual revenue cost of Php 96M.

In conclusion, Kim exemplifies the essence of a well-rounded individual. Her family-oriented nature, combined with her goal-oriented mindset, sets the stage for her personal and professional success. Her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, determination to achieve her goals, passion for excellence, compassion, and open-minded approach to life, inspire those around her and leave a positive impact on the world. Her EDC family is truly proud of her!