Government eyes 3-fold hike in RE share in energy mix by 2030

MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippines is eyeing a three-fold increase in the share of renewable energy (RE) sources in its energy mix by 2030, the country’s top energy official said.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, in his speech during the launch of the first Philippine National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), said the country aims to jack up its RE-based power capacity to 15,400 megawatts (MW) in 2030 from 5,400 MW in 2010.

“In 2010, our energy self-sufficiency level is at 57.5 percent of which 27.21 percent is RE,” he noted.

But Almendras pointed out that there would be challenges along the way in realizing these goals.

“In pursing these goals, we need to be cognizant of the fact that hurdles remain. Particular attention shall be given to the timely conduct of grid impact studies required for all facilities connecting to the grid. We shall be guided by the underlying principle of promoting the development of RE resources without compromising reliability, sustainability, and quality of power that services our industries and communities,” he said.

He said there would also be price implications in pushing for RE.

“We also recognize that there are cost implications to these efforts, and we will seek to balance our transition to cleaner technologies in ways that will protect existing consumers and future generations alike,” he said.

The energy chief also said they would continue to update the program to make it attuned with the times.

“NREP is a plan and like all plans, it is not cast on stones. As a living document, it must be constantly reviewed, updated, and enhanced to be able to address new technological developments as well as adapt to the realities of the future,” he said.

He noted that there is also a need to catch up with the developments which should have been started when the RE Law was passed in 2008.

“We are in a catch-up mode regarding renewable energy. This NREP should have been crafted right after the passage of the law in 2008. Nevertheless, we hope that the NREP will further enhance the country’s renewable energy thrust as we face different issues on environmental and supply stability in terms of power alongside the concerns of power users with power costs,” Almendras said, emphasizing the importance of the roadmap for the country’s emerging renewable technology market.

Meanwhile, President Aquino, in his keynote message, said the government will keep a “watchful eye” in ensuring that the NREP will be advantageous to all stakeholders.

“What we will do is mitigate the impacts of these emerging technologies so as not to cause a shock to our consumers. We want to pave the way for the maturity of our renewable energy sources such that we can provide predictable, affordable, and fair electricity pricing for each and every Filipino,” Aquino said.

Aquino also emphasized that the development of clean energy is one of the immediate priorities of the government and that it will vigorously support initiatives to support RE development by way of policies and guidelines that will ensure a level playing field, transparency, and fair electricity pricing.

The event, attended by nearly 700 RE stakeholders, brings together representatives of youth groups, civic organizations, church groups, including the Archdiocese of Manila Ministry of Ecology and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the private sector, all in support of the country’s national renewable energy program. –Donnabelle L. Gatdula (The Philippine Star)