THE AQUINO administration is being urged to invest in new technology that would allow for so-called “carbon dioxide capture and storage” (CCS) as a weapon against climate change and a tool to spur investments in the energy sector.
According to think tank Forensic Law and Policy Strategies Inc. (Forensic Solutions), the private sector can either invest in CCS technology or put up and develop coal-fired power plants in the country, where there is “vast potential” for domestic production.
Having CCS technology will eliminate the need for costly imports to be able to use coal, which is one of the cheapest energy sources available.
CCS involves three main steps: (1) capturing and separating carbon dioxide from large facilities and installations that combust fossil fuels and biomass such as power plants and industrial facilities; (2) compressing and transporting captured carbon dioxide in liquid or supercritical states; and (3) storing carbon dioxide in appropriate reservoirs such as geological formations.
Before this can be done, however, the government must first come up with a legal and regulatory framework on carbon dioxide emission cuts to set aside any apprehensions or misgivings on the part of investors who are concerned over the commercial competitiveness, environmental safety and public acceptance of these facilities, said Forensic Solutions in its policy paper.
The think tank, headed by former Justice Secretary Alberto Agra, said crafting a regulatory framework on carbon dioxide emissions to encourage greater investments in the energy sector was in sync with President Aquino’s goal to generate private-public partnerships for government’s big-ticket projects.
“CCS technology may prove most viable in countries dependent or primarily using coal for power generation and industries, granting that the required regulatory framework is in place along with adequate assistance and incentives made available to prospective CCS participants,” said Agra in the policy paper, which he co-wrote with Mari Jennifer Bruce.
“The power and industry profile of the Philippines may make it a feasible location for application of CCS technology, being primarily a coal-consuming country with vast potential for local coal production,” they said.
“However, with the bulk of its coal consumption being supplied by imported coal, the Philippines must strengthen its policy direction toward self-sustainability and promote development of renewal energy resources through enactment and continuing development of applicable legal and regulatory framework,” Forensic solutions added.
According to think tank Forensic Law and Policy Strategies Inc. (Forensic Solutions), the private sector can either invest in CCS technology or put up and develop coal-fired power plants in the country, where there is “vast potential” for domestic production.
Having CCS technology will eliminate the need for costly imports to be able to use coal, which is one of the cheapest energy sources available.
CCS involves three main steps: (1) capturing and separating carbon dioxide from large facilities and installations that combust fossil fuels and biomass such as power plants and industrial facilities; (2) compressing and transporting captured carbon dioxide in liquid or supercritical states; and (3) storing carbon dioxide in appropriate reservoirs such as geological formations.
Before this can be done, however, the government must first come up with a legal and regulatory framework on carbon dioxide emission cuts to set aside any apprehensions or misgivings on the part of investors who are concerned over the commercial competitiveness, environmental safety and public acceptance of these facilities, said Forensic Solutions in its policy paper.
The think tank, headed by former Justice Secretary Alberto Agra, said crafting a regulatory framework on carbon dioxide emissions to encourage greater investments in the energy sector was in sync with President Aquino’s goal to generate private-public partnerships for government’s big-ticket projects.
“CCS technology may prove most viable in countries dependent or primarily using coal for power generation and industries, granting that the required regulatory framework is in place along with adequate assistance and incentives made available to prospective CCS participants,” said Agra in the policy paper, which he co-wrote with Mari Jennifer Bruce.
“The power and industry profile of the Philippines may make it a feasible location for application of CCS technology, being primarily a coal-consuming country with vast potential for local coal production,” they said.
“However, with the bulk of its coal consumption being supplied by imported coal, the Philippines must strengthen its policy direction toward self-sustainability and promote development of renewal energy resources through enactment and continuing development of applicable legal and regulatory framework,” Forensic solutions added.
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