By Alec Go
The current administration is planning to tap more sources of energy to expand the existing power supply pool of the Philippines as part of its “transformation plans” for employment growth.
Citing higher energy demand over the current reliable supply, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the government must explore all possibilities to increase energy production levels through a mix of traditional and renewable means.
“There is some room to expand our present power supply through our existing power sources, but this is only to a very limited extent. We must build new power plants,” he said.
“We must take advantage of all the best technology that is now available, especially in the areas of renewable energy,” he continued, adding that resorting to renewables would aid in cutting carbon footprint in energy production.
BASAHIN: Inihayag ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. sa kanyang unang State of the Nation Address na patuloy ang paghahanap ng pamahalaan sa mga bago at posibleng mapagkukunan ng enerhiya ng bansa na magpapahusay sa pagitan ng traditional at renewable sources.#PBBMSONA2022 pic.twitter.com/wiuKFMFAf7
— PTVph (@PTVph) July 25, 2022
Marcos said wind and solar power options are being utilized in the country, with the latter having “steadily increased its efficiency” and “ is practical almost everywhere in the Philippines all year round.”
For natural gas, he also vowed for the provision of “investment incentives by clarifying the uncertain policy in upstream gas, particularly in the area close to Malampaya.”
“This requires clarification of the processes and review of service contracts policy,” he said.
Marcos also pushed for the utilization of nuclear energy through the establishment of more nuclear power plants in the country to cut energy costs, a reiteration of one of his plans during the campaign period. Public-private partnerships will also be tapped.
“We will comply of course with the International Atomic Energy Agency regulations for nuclear power plants as they have been strengthened after Fukushima,” he said.
“In the area of nuclear power, there have been new technologies developed that allow smaller scale modular nuclear plants and other derivations thereof,” he added.
Aside from utilizing other energy sources to reduce energy prices, Marcos said the entire transmission and distribution system of the country needs reexamination.
“We must expand the network of our transmission lines while examining schemes to improve the operation of our electrical cooperatives. All this in aid of reducing energy cost especially but not limited to households,” he said. – gb
