By Danessa Rivera (The
Philippine Star) | Updated July 29, 2016 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - After
President Duterte expressed his support for coal power plant developments, the
Department of Energy (DOE) is working on streamlining its processing and
limitations of number of projects to support the country’s industrialization.
While coal power developments are
required to secure necessary permits from the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), the DOE is working on its mandate to ensure reliable
power supply in the country, DOE spokesman William Fuentebella said in a
briefing yesterday.
“What we’re trying to look into is
how to work together on how to streamline the process and at the same time, how
standards should be applied,” he said.
This is in compliance with President
Duterte’s pronouncement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying
he directed the concerned regulatory agencies to prioritize the issuance of
required permits for power development.
He stressed the need for power for
the country to industrialize, which he intends to do during his six-year term.
Fuentebella said there is currently
a number of coal power plant applications at the power bureau of DOE but
declined to give figures since the data is still being sanitized.
To determine whether the number of coal
plants being developed is enough, the DOE will conduct an audit for the whole
power sector, the DOE spokesperson said.
“It is included in the audit that
will be conducted. It is among the things needed by developers which can really
help in investment decisions. Additionally, with the the help of NGCP (National
Grid Corp. of the Philippines), the audit will also help developers to locate
where are the locations of a certain type of power plant,” Fuentebella said.
The audit is based on the special
order issued by DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi to the agency’s power bureau to
undertake a technical audit on power plants and the distribution sector to have
a better procute of the power industry.
No comments:
Post a Comment