GE sees Philippines saving P10 billion in power cost in 25 years

GE sees Philippines saving P10 billion in power cost in 25 years

OFFICIALS of American giant GE said last week the Philippines could
potentially achieve $10 billion (P495.45 billion) in savings over a 25-year
power-plant life cycle and an estimated 16 million tons in carbon-dioxide
reduction annually if it maximizes the efficiency of existing and new
power-generation assets.

Emmanuel de Dios, GE Philippines CEO, said adopting the latest technologies
will be critical in transforming the future of the country's energy
landscape.

"The Philippines is currently at a crossroads in its energy-sector
development. If we enhance our energy assets and networks by deploying the
most efficient gas turbines, ultra-super critical coal technology, as well
as upgrading existing plants and transmission and distribution networks, the
country can achieve energy efficiency, reliability and sustainability," de
Dios said.

The future of the Philippines's energy sector-including these savings
opportunities-were part of the discussions held at this week's "Powering the
Philippines" conference, held in Manila to discuss future challenges and
opportunities for the national energy ecosystem.

"The GE Energy Ecosystem is an interconnected system of digital and
industrial technologies engineered to deliver affordable, reliable and more
sustainable production, distribution and consumption of energy," GE Asean
President and CEO Wouter Van Wersch said. "We believe many of our solutions
will attract strong interest here because the Philippines is one of the most
energy-hungry nations in the world and open to new ideas to produce more
affordable, reliable and sustainable power."

GE's latest technologies are part of the company's "Energy Ecosystem"
portfolio unveiled at the conference. The portfolio is designed in part to
support the massive electricity-growth needs of the Asean region. In the
Philippines alone, peak demand is expected to increase from 10.9 gigawatts
(GW) in 2012 to 15 GW by 2020, 18.6 GW by 2025 and 23.2 GW by 2030.

Based on GE's research, carbon emissions from existing coal and gas power
plants can be cut by as much as 10 percent with digital upgrades. This is
particularly relevant to the Philippines, which relies on coal for 42
percent of its electricity needs.

"As the Philippines continues to invest in renewables, it is important to
review existing power sources, like coal, which are abundant and low-cost.
Ultra-supercritical steam power technologies and digital applications are
available to help lower carbon emissions, and make coal and gas plants more
efficient," de Dios said.

These digital upgrades include the use of advanced software and analytics,
sensors and cloud storage technologies to better analyze "big data" produced
by power plants. Digital power plants enhance asset performance, operations
and improve energy-trading decisions to create additional revenue and
cost-reduction opportunities.

Powering the Philippines conference included keynote speeches and panel
discussions on energy policy and infrastructure, led by representatives from
important industry agencies including the Department of Energy (DOE),
National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), Senate Committee on Energy, Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Transmission Corp. (Transco), the
National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and members of the Philippine
Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA).

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi spoke about the country's near-term plans
during his keynote address. The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) aims to provide
Filipinos with reliable and affordable energy services. The energy sector is
vital in promoting a better quality of life for everyone. "We understand
that meeting our goals of energy independence and market reforms requires
support, input, and expertise from our stakeholders. The discussions today
offer a great way to look at the challenges and opportunities that lay
ahead," he said.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/ge-sees-phl-saving-p10-billion-in-power-cos
t-in-25-years/

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com