Low Carbon News in Philippines in May 2014
5 May 2014
Philippines’ new Clark Green City promises sustainable living
Called the Clark Green City (CGC), the project is a 9,450-hectare master development plan located around the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, a province that is only about 80 kilometres away from Metro Manila. The Clark Green City will see five districts rise in three phases over the next five decades.
The upcoming eco-city is the brainchild of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a state-run company mandated to transform or facilitate the sale of idle military camps and to repurpose former US military bases into productive areas, such as industrial zones. It is behind the successful turnaround of Fort Bonifacio, an old military camp that is now a bustling business and commercial area rivalling the stature of Makati, the country’s central business district.
Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/philippines-new-clark-green-city-promises-sustainable-living/
5 May 2014
Mini-hydro plant gets nod
German-led renewable energy firm Hydrotec Renewables Inc. has obtained environmental endorsements for a mini-hydroelectric power plant within the Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL) in Rodriguez, Rizal.
In a statement, Hydrotec said the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had issued a resolution approving the construction of the 3-megawatt power facility.
The resolution allows Hydrotec to build the mini-hydropower plant with an “environmentally-friendly design” within the protected area.
Source: http://business.inquirer.net/169671/mini-hydro-plant-gets-nod#ixzz366rT2Z77
9 May 2014
Coal burns chances of sustainable economic growth, says Greenpeace
Greenpeace Philippines on Wednesday released a new report on the environmental and economic impacts of coal use in the country, citing how the Philippines could lose billions in revenues on top off incurring additional external costs.
Called the “The True Cost of Coal”, the 40-page document is the first of three volumes that presents a comprehensive study on the extent of damages caused by coal mining and use. This will help stimulate the debate on the issue, particularly amongst policymakers, and promote the need for clean energy, said the environmental NGO.
Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/coal-burns-chances-sustainable-economic-growth-says-greenpeace/
11 May 2014
DOE pushes for fuel mix policy
The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to come up with a fuel mix policy that will encourage energy diversification and wean the Philippines off its dependence on coal.
Currently, most of the country’s power plants run on coal. The proposed fuel mix policy will include renewable energy sources and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
On Sunday, May 11, DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said the proposed mix would include LNG, which is considered preferable for sustainable economic growth.
14 May 2014
DOE, CCC to push renewable energy use in communities still without power
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are scheduled to sign on Wednesday an agreement for the wider use of renewable energy in local governments, particularly in communities without electricity.
The first Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding (MOU) between the two government agencies will be signed in Malacañang by CCC Commissioner Heherson Alvarez and Energy Undersecretary Raul Aguilos
15 May 2014
First utility-scale solar park in the Philippines goes online
Financed by ThomasLloyd and built by Conergy, the $45 million San Carlos I and II PV project is seen as a major achievement and a key part of the country’s efforts to expand solar power generation
15 May 2014
Aquino inaugurates large-scale solar energy plant
It’s the first large-scale, government-commissioned and commercially-financed solar power plant in the country under the Aquino administration.
President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday, May 15, inaugurated the San Carlos Solar Energy, Inc (SACASOL) in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, a power plant that he said is “making history.”
“Because of this new project, the Visayas grid will benefit from an additional 22 MW – all while SACASOL displaces carbon emissions equivalent to the emissions produced by 14,805 tons of oil for each year of operations,” he said.
Source: http://www.rappler.com/business/industries/58099-san-carlos-solar-plant-inauguration
20 May 2014
President Aquino urges ASEAN nations to help mitigate impact of climate change
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday urged member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to work together to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Addressing some 2,000 delegates from 32 Asia-Pacific countries attending the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – Asean International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change in Legazpi, Albay, President Aquino said that climate change should not be ignored.
Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1751400496187#sthash.uE504rwS.dpuf
21 May 2014
NAIA congestion worsens air quality
Aircraft using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) unnecessarily emit copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere due to congestion at the country’s main international gateway, an airline report revealed.
More importantly, the carbon emission of aircraft operating out of Naia—or circling overhead for prolonged periods pending landing clearance—aggravates the already poor air quality of Metro Manila.
According to an internal company document obtained by the Inquirer, the fleet of Philippine Airlines alone emitted a total of 2,900 kilograms or 2.9 tons of carbon dioxide in April “due to excessive holding” of aircraft waiting to take off from or land at Naia’s single international runway.
Source: http://business.inquirer.net/171013/naia-congestion-worsens-air-quality#ixzz366odsQGE
23 May 2014
‘Green energy makes economic sense
Investing in renewable energy is not only good for society, it also makes a lot of economic sense, said a South Korean energy executive during a session of the 23rd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia.
“For us as a for profit organization, as much as we like to help out in the environment and help with society, it has to make economic sense for us. But looking 20 years into the future, we’ve made a big bet in renewable energy just because it made economic sense for us,” said Dong Kwan Kim, managing director of Hanwha Group, a South Korean business conglomerate that is now investing in solar power.
His words were part of a larger discussion during a WEF session held on Thursday, May 23, entitled “Climate-smart Growth.” The session, moderated by CNN news anchor Andrew Stevens, featured lively exchanges between financial institutions, private sector and environmental advocacy groups.