By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Apart from its inevitable impact on the transportation sector, the Middle East crisis also had a significant effect on the stability of the global energy supply chain, with countries sourcing their energy needs from this region, like the Philippines, being the hardest hit by the conflict.
It was in this context that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shared the progress of 200 energy projects nationwide during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Of these, 45 are already up and running, with 31 slated for completion this year, and the remaining 24 set to keep the lights on in 2028.
This, on top of energy storage systems that add a further 1,700 megawatts of capacity to the national grid to keep nearly 30 million households and industries energized even after the Marcos Jr. administration ends in 2028.
The President addressed Filipinos, “Bukod sa ilang mga plantang pinapatakbo ng krudo, nakapagdagdag tayo ng mahigit animnapung plantang pinapatakbo naman ng geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, at saka ng biomass.”
Natural gas, hydrogen power, and nuclear power
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. hailed the extension of the Malampaya service contract until 2039, noting that the resumption of the oil platform’s drilling operations brings with it an untapped reserve of 222 billion cubic feet of natural gas to power millions of households until 2034.
Of the 14 petroleum service contracts awarded nationwide, four were for the production of hydrogen gas that would serve as back-up fuel for existing power plants. Two of these hydrogen gas contracts are co-managed with the Bangsamoro government, thus keeping BARMM in line with its vision of energy security and total electrification for the region.
The President expounded, “We have begun to embark on the establishment of hydrogen power plants. Multiple projects are now in their pre-developmental stage in Marinduque, Masbate, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, and other potential areas.”
He moreover championed a second look into nuclear energy production as the next frontier in the quest towards an energy-secure future for the Philippines, citing confidence in its ability to drive down the cost of electricity in the country.
Apart from citing its uses in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and the upcycling of plastic, President Marcos Jr. made it a key point to reassure that the citizenry is rightfully informed about the countless benefits of this form of energy.
Energizing reforms
Wrapping up his discussion on energy, the Chief Executive noted that major projects only form the tip of the iceberg in the grand scheme of boosting the national grid, with reforms touted as the key to keeping homes and industries energized without costing an arm and a leg.
President Marcos Jr. sought help from the Congress to expedite the passage of the “Sariling Kuryente” Act, which would ease the process of installing solar panels and battery storage systems for Filipino households.
He likewise called for the abolition of charging consumers with system loss fees and value-added tax (VAT), which unnecessarily drives up electricity prices and places added strain on Filipinos’ budgets.
In turn, the President called for the immediate amendment of Republic Act No. 9136 (Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001), also known as the EPIRA law, for the government to reel in unscrupulous power generation, transmission and distribution companies and hold them accountable for malpractices or lapses in providing electricity to their constituents.
av
