Renewable energy program launch set for June 14

Manila Times.net

THE Philippines will launch is first National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), which will outline the country’s energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability targets in the coming years.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rene Almendras on Wednesday said that NREP contains the national renewable energy targets consistent with Republic Act 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act, which mandates the development and use of the country’s renewable energy sources.

“It will outline our targets and trajectories for the use of the country’s renewable energy sources and power mix needed for the short and long-term, which will allow the department to increase momentum in RE development,” Almendras said.

The DOE chief said the NREP will be launched on June 14, aimed at forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in promoting the RE programs of the government.

President Benigno Aquino 3rd is also expected to grace the launch, where he will receive the first copy of the NREP.

“The NREP brings to a higher plan of action the country’s RE agenda, thus, bringing the country a step closer to its vision of sustainable energy for more people in our country,” Almendras said.

The DOE, along with the United States Agency for International Development, has crafted the NREP framework of action—including the existing and future measures, instruments and policies for the promotion of renewable energy, and a roadmap that will guide efforts toward actualizing the market penetration targets of each RE resource in the country.

Based on studies, the country has a massive potential for renewable energy with an estimated 200,000 megawatts of power likely to be generated using clean and efficient sources.JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ