Posted on November 14, 2012 09:58:40 PM
"Exploration and production of Philippine coal is expected to remain a very robust business in the future because of the very strong demand in the Philippines and Asia Pacific region," said Raymundo B. Savella, vice-president for Petroleum and Coal Operations at the Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp., in his presentation during the Upstream Energy 2012 International Exhibition and Conference yesterday.
Mr. Savella, who spoke on behalf of Philippine Chamber of Coal Mines President Rufino B. Bomasang, added that coal consumption in the Philippines will expand substantially, with all major power plants under construction to be powered by coal.
To meet the demand for coal, production has increased from 100 tons in 1976 to 7.6 million tons in 2011, with Semirara Mining Corp., which accounts for 95% of Philippine coal production, ramping up output.
The Philippines, however, remains a net coal importer because coal producers are unable to meet the volume and quality requirements of coal users and cannot compete against cheap coal imports.
"The immediate development of untapped coal resources is the most expeditious way to lessen our dependence on imported coal and enhance Philippine energy security. It’s a business that deserves full support from the government," Mr. Savella said.
In another presentation, Cyril C. Del Callar, chairman of Del Callar and Partners and former president of the National Power Corp., pointed out how most power plants in the country use coal and diesel as fuel, which have advantages and disadvantages.
"Coal allows cheap energy production," he said.
It is, however, "environmentally taxing, logistically challenging" and coal-fired power plants take long commissioning and set-up periods.
Diesel, meanwhile, "has easy logistics and is relatively environmental friendly."
Mr. Del Callar pointed out that liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants provide a better advantage as these plants produce power at a lower cost than coal plants, and are environmentally acceptable than coal.
However, it takes at least three years for a LNG power plant project to start operating. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
Mr. Savella, who spoke on behalf of Philippine Chamber of Coal Mines President Rufino B. Bomasang, added that coal consumption in the Philippines will expand substantially, with all major power plants under construction to be powered by coal.
To meet the demand for coal, production has increased from 100 tons in 1976 to 7.6 million tons in 2011, with Semirara Mining Corp., which accounts for 95% of Philippine coal production, ramping up output.
The Philippines, however, remains a net coal importer because coal producers are unable to meet the volume and quality requirements of coal users and cannot compete against cheap coal imports.
"The immediate development of untapped coal resources is the most expeditious way to lessen our dependence on imported coal and enhance Philippine energy security. It’s a business that deserves full support from the government," Mr. Savella said.
In another presentation, Cyril C. Del Callar, chairman of Del Callar and Partners and former president of the National Power Corp., pointed out how most power plants in the country use coal and diesel as fuel, which have advantages and disadvantages.
"Coal allows cheap energy production," he said.
It is, however, "environmentally taxing, logistically challenging" and coal-fired power plants take long commissioning and set-up periods.
Diesel, meanwhile, "has easy logistics and is relatively environmental friendly."
Mr. Del Callar pointed out that liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants provide a better advantage as these plants produce power at a lower cost than coal plants, and are environmentally acceptable than coal.
However, it takes at least three years for a LNG power plant project to start operating. -- Claire-Ann Marie C. Feliciano source
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