Philippines: DOE pushes for both conventional and renewable energy investments

Philippines: DOE pushes for both conventional and renewable energy
investments

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) SECRETARY ALFLONSO CUSI HAS CALLED ON INVESTORS
TO CONSIDER BOTH CONVENTIONAL AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN ADDRESSING THE
COUNTRY'S SOCIO-ECONOMIC NEEDS.

In an article published by the South China Morning Post, Cusi said that a
technology-neutral approach is needed for the Philippines in finding a
balance between the environmental mandate and socio-economic progress.

"Technology-neutral means that we shouldn't be constrained by rigid or
arbitrary targets in sourcing our energy. Both conventional and
non-conventional sources must be considered, but this shouldn't be equated
with abandoning climate action," Cusi said.

The energy chief added that conventional energy sources – like coal-fired
power plants- can be made more sustainable. He cited the Shanghai Waigaogiao
NO. 3 power plant in Shanghai, China that houses 2×1000 ME supercritical
coal-fired power plants that use 230,000 tons less standard coal and emit
480,000 fewer tons of CO2 yearly.

He said that the country is trying to replicate the approach of China,
India, and Japan.

However, Cusi said that renewable energy remains unaffordable for developing
countries like the Philippines, compared to conventional energy sources.

He added that the "inherent intermittent" nature of RE sources creates risks
of power outages that hinders progress and turns off investors.

"In Asia where one in seven persons lack access to basic electricity, the
balance between promoting socio-economic growth and combating climate change
is an extremely fine one for governments," Cusi said.

The energy chief added that one way to reduce poverty and encourage
investments while allowing further economic growth is to prioritize reliable
and affordable power.

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Link to Original Article:
http://powerphilippines.com/2017/04/06/doe-conventional-renewable-energy-inv
estment/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com