Higher clean energy cost acceptable

Manila Bulletin  
By Myrna M. Velasco 
Published: June 11, 2013 
An independently-commissioned survey by Shell companies in the Philippines (SCiP) has indicated that many Filipinos are willing to shoulder higher cost for cleaner energy alternatives.
The survey outcome has emphasized that “two-thirds or 66-percent of respondents said they are willing to pay more for cleaner power and energy.”
In the order of energy options, the Dutch firm noted that biggest preference has been bestowed on solar at 74-percent; followed by hydro at 46-percent; and wind at 41-percent. Natural gas comes fourth with 23-percent giving their approval on it.
The answers of respondents were ranked based on a category rating and has accommodated multiple response to each question. The survey undertaken by private research think-tank Ipsos covered 500 respondents comprising of 250 in Metro Manila; 175 in Cebu; and 175 in Davao.
The same survey also unearthed the Filipinos’ priority concerns. It bared that energy ranked high, almost leveling up with concerns on employment, public education and pollution of the environment.
Shell vice president Roberto S. Kanapi said “survey respondents in the Philippines view future energy needs as a high priority and are increasingly aware of the inter-dependence of energy, water and food resources.”
He qualified though that for these needs to be sufficiently and effectively met, “the world will have to use innovation, technology and collaboration to mobilize multiple forms of energy over the coming decades.”
Kanapi added that “the challenge of ensuring sufficient supplies of energy, water and food will have to be addressed intelligently and in unison.”
According to Shell, “Filipinos believe higher unemployment will have the biggest impact on them in the future alongside higher energy prices; food shortages; energy shortages; water shortages and geopolitical instability.” (MMV)
Beyond these “gut issues”, the respondents also perceive carbon dioxide emissions reduction as a core concern, “with many indicating they are already taking steps to do so.”   source