‘Renewable’ capacity to triple

TUESDAY, 14 JUNE 2011 21:31 PAUL ANTHONY A. ISLA / REPORTER

THE government aims to triple the increase of the country’s renewable-energy portfolio to 15,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 because of the continuing increase in the prices of coal and oil in the global market, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said on Tuesday.

At the launching of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Almendras said renewable energy currently accounts for 33.2 percent—or 5,438 MW—of the country’s total installed power-generating capacity, and 31.7 percent—or 4,413 MW—of the total dependable power-generating capacity.

According to the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Philippines has an abundance of renewable-energy resources, with estimates as high as 200,000 MW to 276,000 MW in potential capacity.

But Almendras said the figures still had to be validated.

 “We are in a catch-up mode regarding renewable energy. The NREP should have been crafted right after the passage of the law in 2008. Nevertheless, we hope that the NREP will further enhance the country’s renewable-energy thrust as we face different issues on environmental and supply stability in terms of power, alongside the concerns of power users with power costs,” Almendras said. He emphasized the importance of the road map for the country’s emerging renewable-technology market.

In his speech, President Aquino said the government will keep a “watchful eye” in ensuring that the NREP would be advantageous to all those participating in the program.

“What we will do is mitigate the impacts of these emerging technologies so as not to cause a shock to our consumers. We want to pave the way for the maturity of our renewable-energy sources, such that we can provide predictable, affordable and fair electricity pricing for each and every Filipino,” Mr. Aquino said.

The President also said the development of clean energy was one of the immediate priorities of the government. He said the administration will vigorously support initiatives to support renewable-energy development by way of policies and guidelines that will ensure a level playing field, transparency and fair electricity pricing.

“The NREP is a plan and like all plans, it is not cast in stone. It must be constantly reviewed and updated to be able to adjust as new technologies develop. As a living document, the NREP will be regularly reviewed and updated, guided by our primary goal of providing clean and affordable energy sources to future generations of Filipinos,” Almendras said.

The NREP, he added, incorporates a sectoral subprogram that includes the implementation of regulatory, administrative and support services; resource development that will involve renewable-energy resource-mapping and assessment, market studies, socioeconomic and environmental-impact studies, and studies on nonpower applications of renewable energy; research, development and demonstration projects; and renewable-energy technology support with the view to developing local capacities.

In all of these, Almendras said the key word is sustainability, which is attainable through closer interagency collaboration not only in the government sector but also with private institutions.

He added that a regular review of the NREP is needed to ensure that it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the country and our consumers.

“In the end, the beneficiaries of renewable-energy development and utilization are the future generations who shall benefit from clean environment and the socioeconomic growth brought about not only by hard currency savings in avoided fossil-fuel imports, but, more sustainably, by employment generation and increased economic activities with more private-sector investments coming into the sector,” Almendras said.

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In Photo: President Aquino inspects an “air bike” at an exhibit during the launching of the National Renewable Program at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Tuesday. Republic Act 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act, mandates the full development and use of renewable-energy resources. This is in line with the country’s goal of attaining energy self-suffi ciency and environmental sustainability.  (Ryan Lim/Malacañang Photo Bureau)