Low Carbon News in Philippines in October 2014
1 October 2014
Philippines energy mix plans might open door for new LNG imports
The Philippines said it will turn to natural gas in its energy mix to increase the share to a third over the next 16 years which would open doors for LNG imports.
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This new market would be welcomed by the major LNG producers such as Chevron and Total who face uncertainty over long-term demand from Japan and South Korea.
Because of the country’s commitment to low carbon emissions, natural gas will increase to more than 30 percent of the mix, according to Energy Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada, reports Reuters.
Source: LNG World News, http://www.lngworldnews.com/philippines-energy-mix-plans-might-open-door-for-new-lng-imports/
13 October 2014
THE NATIONAL Power Corp. (Napocor) will embark on a five-year program that will utilize renewable energy (RE) resources in areas not connected to the country’s main power grid.
The state-run power firm — which is in-charge of providing electricity in off-grid areas — will harness RE resources, particularly solar energy starting next year.
The country’s missionary areas are currently fueled by diesel-fed facilities.
“Napocor is keen to utilize renewable energy especially for off-grid areas, or those which are not connected to the main transmission grid that powers the country’s main islands,” a statement yesterday stated.
Data from the World Bank cited in the state-run firm’s statement showed that 30% of the Philippines’ population still don’t have access to electricity — majority of whom are located in off-grid areas.
“Because of the country’s geographical composition, it is difficult and very costly to transmit and distribute power especially to remote islands,” Napocor Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Urbano C. Mendiola said in the same statement.
Source: http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=renewable-energy-sources-to-power-off-grid-areas&id=96015
13 October 2014
Philippines seeking Taiwan investment in new green city project
The Philippines is hoping to attract investment from Taiwan in a green city project aimed at creating economic growth and encouraging sustainable development, according to the head of the agency responsible for the project.
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is planning to build the green city in the Clark Special Economic Zone and is seeking the participation of investors from the Philippines and abroad, said BCDA President and CEO Arnel Casanova.
The development of the Clark Green City is expected to attract investment, generate job opportunities, boost the economy and sustain growth, he told the Taiwanese media in a recent interview in Manila.
Source: Focus Taiwan, http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201410120010.aspx
16 October 2014
‘Liveable Cities’ contest imagines the disaster-ready metropolis of the future
Recent studies have shown that Philippine sea levels are rising at a rate of 1 cm per year, with the country set to bear the brunt of climate change impacts, including stronger typhoons in the near future.
For these reasons, it has become of paramount importance for the Philippines and its neighbors to consider cities’ long-term disaster resilience. This was the focus of the Liveable Cities Design Challenge, the winners of which were announced at a conference on October 15 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
The Liveable Cities Design Challenge is a planning and design competition whose main aim is to promote smarter city planning, helping cities and municipalities prepare for a “climate-defined future.” The contest also encouraged contestants to design cities that provide safety and sustainability options for its people.
Source: GMA Network, http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/383879/scitech/science/liveable-cities-contest-imagines-the-disaster-ready-metropolis-of-the-future
24 October 2014
Philippines National Budget “Tags” Climate Change Response Funds
In the Philippines, 53 national agencies have begun the process of “tagging” proposed climate change funding in their 2015 national budget submissions. With over 5% of the total tagged as climate change expenditures, the system intends to make the tracking, strategy and prioritization of the national response to climate change more transparent.
To implement the tagging system, agencies are using common guidelines issued by the Philippines’ Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Climate Change Commission (CCC). Approximately 98% of those expenditures tagged are for adaptation measures, such as flood control, reforestation, sector-specific research and development on climate change, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The majority of funding will go to the infrastructure, environment, agriculture, energy, and science and technology sectors.
The tagging initiative is in response to recommendations from the Climate Public Expenditure and Institutional Review (CPEIR) published in 2013. The World Bank, CCC and DBM have prepared a progress report, titled ‘Mobilizing the Budget for Climate Change Response in the Philippines,’ detailing the reforms taken since the CPEIR.
Source: http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/philippines-national-budget-tags-climate-change-response-funds/
28 October 2014
Wind energy in Philippines: 3 wind farms near completion
Some 250 megawatts of power from wind farms are expected to boost the country’s energy supply starting this year until early 2015 that could help ease the country’s electricity shortage, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said Tuesday.
Petilla made the forecast after a recent visit in Ilocos Norte province to check on three wind power projects under construction. These include 150 MW from Energy Development Corp. of the Lopez Group, 81 MW from North Luzon Renewable Energy Corp., formerly North Luzon UPC Asia Corp. and 18 MW from NorthWind Power Development Corp.
Source: http://www.evwind.es/2014/10/28/wind-energy-in-philippines-3-wind-farms-near-completion/48365