Energy Policy Group Urged for Exploration of PH Solar Power as an Alternative

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) has called on the Philippines to begin its transition to a “more distributed” means of power generation. This entails abandoning the country’s current model of centralized baseload power, which is heavily reliant on coal-fired plants. Among the ICSC’s recommendations is the establishment of more solar power facilities.

ICSC senior policy advisor Atty. Pete Maniego noted earlier in the month that the Philippines’ dependency on coal is highly detrimental. Even more so as international energy prices remain volatile. “We lack sufficient power to support our developing economy and increasing population. We need to augment our power supply now,” Maniego explained.

He forwarded solar power as a possible alternative, particularly given the country’s archipelagic geography. Solar power also possesses the most suitable technology for distributed generation, enabling the inclusion of remote areas which are otherwise unserved. “Given the country’s geography and minimal domestic fossil fuel sources, the country really has no option but to tap technological innovation to meet its twin goals of low carbon and reliable energy,” added Maniego.

“Fossil fuel prices tend to go up over the long term, and to spike whenever there are international crises,” Maniego elaborated. “Solar and wind have much lower levelized cost of electricity compared to fossil fuel power plants. Prices are expected to further decrease,” he furthered, noting the Philippines RE potential vis-a-vis its energy demands.

In response to the gas market’s volatility, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla also affirmed that the government will look into next year’s power outlook. ICSC executive director Renato Redentor Constantino also urged the government and banks to provide more financing for RE projects. “The banks and Department of Finance should (abandon) the ‘pawnshop mentality’ and step up to provide more lending opportunities for RE investment.”

Source: BusinessWorld