By: Amy R. Remo 01:30 AM July 20th, 2016
The Philippines cannot rely
completely on renewable energy sources to provide its electricity requirements
at this point in the country’s level of economic development, even if it
committed last year to cut its carbon emissions by a hefty 70 percent by 2030.
According to Energy Secretary
Alfonso G. Cusi, the country will implement an energy policy that meets its
specific economic requirements.
“We will chart our own course
insofar as energy is concerned to ensure energy supply security, considering
that developing countries like the Philippines have low carbon emissions.
President Duterte is correct in saying that the country is still in the process
of industrialization. We must, therefore, use whatever energy resources are
available and affordable for power generation,” the energy chief explained on
Tuesday.
“We need diversified energy sources
to support our growing economy. The Department of Energy is formulating a
strategic fuel policy mix to propel the country’s growing economy. We need to
build more baseload power plants while also aggressively pushing for clean
energy,” Cusi stressed.
Cusi issued the statement in
reaction to recent pronouncements by President Duterte that his administration
will would not honor the historic Paris Agreement on climate change that was
adopted by 196 countries that participated in the 21st Session of the
Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held
in France.
Duterte went on to say that the
convenant was “stupid” and “absurd” and was something that would set back the
country’s economic development. Under this agreement, the Philippines has
committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent up to 2030.
“While we signed the Paris agreement
last year committing ourselves to limit our carbon emissions, we cannot ignore
the fact that our level of economic development at this point does not allow us
to rely completely on renewable energy sources or clean energy,” Cusi said.
“The DOE stands firm in promoting
energy efficiency and conservation to complement its thrust for clean energy
development following the country’s intended nationally determined
contributions on climate change mitigation efforts,” he further noted.
Cusi added: “We will continue to
adhere to internationally accepted environmental standards in our energy use.
The DOE is working with the National Economic and Development Authority,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change Commission
to develop a balanced and sustainable energy policy framework.”
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