DOE to pursue development of renewable energy resources

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula (The Philippine Star) Updated September 22, 2011 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has vowed to pursue the development of renewable energy (RE) sources despite encountering setbacks.


Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said the DOE is standing firm on the Aquino administration’s stance to promote the use of RE resources.


Almendras said while there were reports alleging that RE may not be as bright a prospect as it is envisioned to be, he emphasized that there are available technologies now ready for aggressive implementation which the DOE intends to push forward.


The energy chief said each technology has its inherent economic and technical characteristics and must be applied to specific local realities.


“There are also primary economic considerations which require that we pace our RE programs learning from the difficulties experienced by other countries,” he pointed out.


Almendras said RE remains one of the preferred investment spots for power generation in the country.


A few months ago, the DOE launched the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) which marked the country’s continued pursuit for energy security through the utilization of RE resources.


The NREP is anchored on the broader context of indigenous energy resource development as espoused in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) and the Energy Reform Agenda (ERA).


It is envisioned to also establish a framework for existing and planned policies for the promotion of RE and a roadmap which will guide efforts toward actualizing the market penetration targets of each RE resource in the country.