Low Carbon News in Philippines in June 2014
2 June 2014
More renewable energy projects OK’d
The Department of Energy (DOE) is ramping up work on renewable energy projects as it maintains its thrust to diversify the country’s energy mix.
In a report posted on its website, the DOE said it has issued 565 renewable energy service contracts since guaranteed rates for RE projects were set, while another 140 are being processed as of April 30, 2014. This marked an improvement over the previous month’s figures when DOE said it had issued 500 renewable service contracts with 130 more in process.
Source: http://business.inquirer.net/171977/more-renewable-energy-projects-okd#ixzz366oPMWCn
7 June 2014
Dev’t of more renewable energy sources urged
The Department of Energy (DoE), Climate Change Commission and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) of Germany have launched efforts to raise awareness and push for the development of renewable energy in the Philippines.
“Beyond the country’s contribution to global efforts in limiting climate change impacts, leapfrogging past highly pollutive growth stages directly to a low-carbon national economy will also be financially sound in an increasingly climate-defined global economy,” the WWF-Philippines stated.
Source: http://business.inquirer.net/172362/devt-of-more-renewable-energy-sources-urged#ixzz366tQ4QaQ
8 June 2014
Renewable energy: Key to achieving a low carbon future
One of the best ways to mitigate the effects of climate change is the utilization of renewable energy (RE) since it is crucial for the reduction of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
With 28 percent of current total power generation, the Philippines has one of the highest shares of renewable energy in Asia, but the country continues to be dependent on fossil fuels, which supply 72 percent of the nation’s power.
With the demand for energy growing, the Philippines should all the more strengthen its position in tapping and harnessing alternative RE sources.
14 June 2014
Renewable energy investors called to submit applications
The Department of Energy (DOE) encourages renewable energy investors to submit applications for feed-in tariff (FIT) eligibility.
FIT is designed to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies. Long-term contracts are offered to renewable energy producers, usually based on the cost of generation of each technology.
FIT is aligned with the government’s commitment to accelerate the exploration, development, and optimal use of the country’s renewable energy sources.
17 June 2014
Energising economies with solar power
Recognizing the huge potential for solar energy to address existing energy poverty, Swiss power and automation giant ABB recently hosted a session on solar energy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Manila. The discussion, held on May 22, called “Sharing the sun: The future of solar energy in East Asia”, centred on advancements in solar, as well as the opportunities and challenges for this sector in the region in the context of achieving equitable progress – the theme of the WEF.
Experts on the panel highlighted Asia’s energy poverty woes, particularly in archipelago nations like the Philippines and Indonesia where millions still do not have electricity, hindering development. Policies promoting deployment of solar and innovative business models that capitalise on existing solar technologies are key factors that can drive sustainable and inclusive economies, they said.
Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/energising-economies-solar-power/
18 June 2014
ADB, UN launch Sustainable Energy for All in Asia Pacific
The Asian Development Bank and two United Nations agencies on Wednesday launched the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) regional hub for Asia and the Pacific in Manila, which will help meet the initiative’s primary goal of ensuring universal access to energy by 2030.
The regional hub was launched by ADB, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the opening of the Asia Clean Energy Forum at the ADB headquarters.
They also marked the start of the International Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, which is from 2014 to 2024.
Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/adb-un-launch-sustainable-energy-all-hub-asia-pacific/
21 June 2014
Re-engineering the Philippine Energy Sector
With the nearing depletion of natural gas of Malampaya in 2024 and the unutilized Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, coupled with the adulterated petroleum in the industry and its worsening effects on the environment, on climate change, and on public health, Philippines, where are we headed?
These are the nagging questions posted by Oriental Mindoro Representative and House Committee Chairman on Energy Reynaldo V. Umali during his privilege speech on June 9, 2014, urging credible and realistic answers to the unfulfilled promises of RA 8479 or the Downstream Oil Deregulation Act to supply clean and high quality fuels at a fair price, and the RA 9136 or EPIRA to provide sufficient and reasonably priced power.
Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/89607/re-engineering-the-philippine-energy-sector
28 June 2014
ANZ, Mizuho Bank to help finance Ilocos wind project expansion
The Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has secured another bridge financing facility with two international banks to partly bankroll the expansion of its wind power project in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
EDC signed a bridge financing facility amounting to $90 million (P3.98 billion) with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) and Mizuho Bank, Ltd,” EDC said Friday, June 27.
The proceeds of the latest facility completes the bridge financing for the 63-megawatt (MW) Phase 2 of the Burgos Wind project.
30 June 2014
Conergy to build its second Philippines PV power plant
While it may be finding the going tough in established PV markets, Conergy continues to build on its strong reputation and track record in Southeast Asia. The latest announcement is that it is to build a 8 MW power plant in the Philippines, its second in the country.
Conergy’s second utility scale PV project in the Philippines will be located 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the capital Manila on the country’s biggest island Luzon. Conergy says it will be completed in Q4 2014 and will consist of 30,000 modules.
The Philippine’s RASLAG Corporation will own the power plant. RASLAG itself is the renewables arm of Angeles Power.
Source: http://www.eco-business.com/news/conergy-build-its-second-philippines-pv-power-plant/
30 June 2014
Megawide goes into power generation
Megawide Construction Corporation on Monday, June 30, said it would spend $100 million to build a portfolio of 100 megawatts of renewable energy over the next two years.
In line with this, the company signed an agreement with PhilCarbon Inc. for the development of renewable energy projects, including biomass, wind, hyrdo, solar, and geothermal.