Power firms support shift from coal to clean energy
Energy companies, environmental groups and consumers on Wednesday welcomed the Department of Energy’s declaration of a moratorium on endorsements for greenfield or new coal power plants......»»
Binance ban a boon to local crypto firms
Local crypto traders are now experiencing as much as four times higher transaction volumes as investors shift their tokens from Binance......»»
DOE monitoring power situation amid El Niño
Following the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s recent declaration that the warm and dry season has begun, the Department of Energy (DOE) said the country’s power situation is currently being monitored to ensure energy security......»»
First Gen income up 4 percent to P15.4 billion in 2023
Lopez-led power firm First Gen Corp. grew its income by four percent to P15.4 billion in 2023, from the previous year’s profit of P14.3 billion, mainly due to contributions from its geothermal subsidiary Energy Development Corp......»»
Meralco eyes cutting 2030 direct emissions by over 20%
The Manila Electric Company, the country’s largest distribution utility, has unveiled its plans to slash its 2030 direct emissions by over 20 percent in line with the company’s goal to become coal-free before 2050. This target covers the company’s projected 2030 baseline Scope 1 emissions, which refer to greenhouse gas emissions directly generated by the company from thermal power generation and from the use of fuel for vehicles and other equipment. Meralco’s just, orderly, and affordable transition to clean energy is the central thrust of its long-term sustainability strategy, which begins with the company’s investment in renewable energy to serve the country’s growing energy demand with greener power. This includes the distribution utility’s program to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from RE. Initial target exceeded Meralco has so far contracted 1,880 megawatts of RE capacity from various suppliers, already exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. Through Meralco’s strategic sourcing initiatives, RE is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of that of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. “We recognize our impact on the planet, and we will do more as part of our earnest commitment to sustainability. As we chart the path towards a brighter and greener energy future, Meralco will continue to evolve and elevate its sustainability agenda to continue powering the good life for all,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said. To further strengthen its decarbonization efforts, Meralco, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corporation, is accelerating its RE buildout to develop greener generating capacities to power the country with sustainable energy. Committed to invest P18-B Earlier this year, MGen committed to invest at least P18 billion for its RE buildout which will cover capacities from clean technologies such as solar and wind which the company aims to build through 2030. “In the coming years, Meralco will accelerate its shift to green energy through the adoption of next-generation clean technologies. Ultimately, we will drive deep decarbonization to advance long-term energy security with earth-friendly power,” Mr. Ravelo said. The post Meralco eyes cutting 2030 direct emissions by over 20% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco coal-free by 2050
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest power distribution company, has set out its long-term strategy to promote a just and affordable clean energy transition. The company intends to be coal-free by 2050. But before that, it will first push to cut it direct emissions by more than 20 percent by the end of the decade, or by 2030. According to Meralco, the targets cover its projected 2030 baseline Scope 1 emissions it directly generated from thermal power generation and the use of fuel for vehicles and other equipment. “We recognize our impact on the planet, and we will do more as part of our earnest commitment to sustainability,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said. Sustainability agenda “As we chart the path towards a brighter and greener energy future, Meralco will continue to evolve and elevate its sustainability agenda to continue powering the good life for all,” he added. Meralco has been heavily investing in the development of renewable energy or RE to serve the country’s growing energy demand for greener power. This includes the distribution utility’s program to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from RE. Meralco has so far contracted 1,880 megawatts or MW of RE capacity from various suppliers, already exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. As such, Meralco said RE is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of that of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. Decarbonization push To further strengthen its decarbonization efforts, Meralco, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. or MGen, is accelerating its RE buildout to develop greener generating capacities to power the country with sustainable energy. Earlier this year, MGen committed to invest at least P18 billion for its RE buildout which will cover capacities from clean technologies such as solar and wind which the company aims to build through 2030. “In the coming years, Meralco will accelerate its shift to green energy through the adoption of next-generation clean technologies. Ultimately, we will drive deep decarbonization to advance long-term energy security with earth-friendly power,” Ravelo said. The post Meralco coal-free by 2050 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clean energy
Good news: The global demand for the three major fossil fuels – oil, coal and natural gas – will decline. Demand for them will peak by the end of this decade, in 2030, according to the October 2023 World Energy Outlook of the International Energy Agency......»»
DoE eyes OSW, taps USAID
Due to the lack of financial allocation, the Department of Energy or DoE is turning to the United States Agency for International Development or USAID to bankroll the inclusion of offshore wind or OSW and floating solar energy, among other new technologies, into the country’s competitive renewable energy zones or CREZ. In a recent interview with reporters, Assistant Secretary Mylene C. Capongcol said these new power technologies should be included in the CREZ so that its integration into the grid will be efficient. “The first stage of CREZ, that finished does not include offshore wind and floating solar and other bodies of water. So the second stage, hopefully, will be supported by a USAID grant because we don’t have the budget here,” Capongcol said. “We will talk officially with USAID but we have sent our official request so we will just have a meeting about what is the scope of work and the timeline,” she added. OSW potential high Based on the Philippines OSW Roadmap launched in 2022, the country has about 178 gigawatts or GW of OSW potential. To date, the DoE has awarded a total of 79 OSW Contracts with a total potential capacity of 61.931 GW, spread mainly North of Luzon, West of Metro Manila, North and South of Mindoro, Panay and Guimaras Strait. Meanwhile, in terms of floating solar energy ventures, one of the latest developments was the Laguna Lake Development Authority’s move to offer 2,000 hectares of the Laguna de Bay for floating solar projects. Of these, 800 hectares were taken by ACEN Corp. Half, or 1,000 hectares were leased by renewable energy firm SunAsia Energy, which aims to develop a 1300-MW facility for $1.2 billion. The remaining 200 hectares, on the other hand, were allocated to Singapore-based firm Vena Energy. Capongcol reiterated that the CREZ project will significantly complement the government’s drive to augment the country’s supply of clean energy. By proactively focusing transmission expansion to these resource areas, clean energy generation development obstacles such as transmission access, energy curtailment, land permitting, and regulatory barriers will be resolved. Thus, reducing the risk for private players who will invest in the sector. Relatedly, the DoE official bared that the 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan or PEP will also highlight the adoption of modern technologies, smart grid systems, and demand-side management to bring down overall energy consumption and cut down greenhouse gas emissions. The government set the target of a 35 percent share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2035 and increased it further to 50 percent by 2040. However, it is still notable that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines continues to heavily rely on coal. Coal, which is cheaper than other forms of power but more detrimental to the environment, is still the highest contributor to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent. Renewable energy only takes a little over 20 percent of the mix. The post DoE eyes OSW, taps USAID appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LNG a vital transition fuel, says Aboitiz Power
Industry players and government regulators should harness cost-effective liquefied natural gas or LNG as the so-called "transition fuel" in the near term to gradually displace coal and complement the variability of renewable energy. Speaking at a recent energy forum, Aboitiz Power Corp. Chief Finance Officer Liza Montelibano reiterated that the transition to clean energy should be gradual and well thought out. Otherwise, it will result in higher power prices. Montelibano pointed out that utilizing the present supply of natural gas, which is relatively cleaner than burning coal, to buy time and keep the grid stable while renewable and low-carbon technologies are being developed. “The realistic pace to do transition is underscored by the available technology that allows you to do it reliably and affordably. Given what is available today, we believe what is realistic is a practical and gradual approach that will allow for technology development,” Montelibano said. Locally, the Malampaya project is the only local facility that uses indigenous natural gas to reduce the country's oil imports. It has been powering up to 20 percent of Luzon’s total electricity requirements. It supplies natural gas to power four power generation plants in Batangas with a combined capacity of 2,011 megawatts or MW. Meanwhile, several projects, including First Gen Corp.'s integrated LNG and regasification terminal in Batangas province, are underway to easily bring in low-cost LNG from abroad into the country. The LNG facilities are a significant source of fuel diversification to complement the efforts of the Malampaya consortium to optimize the sustainability of the remaining indigenous gas in the Malampaya-Camago reservoir. The government set the target of a 35 percent share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2035 and increased it further to 50 percent by 2040. However, it is still notable that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal. AboitizPower, which presently has the largest and most diversified local renewable energy platform in terms of installed capacity under its operational control, aims to support the government's goal by investing P190 billion until 2030 to have a portfolio of 9,200 MW evenly split between renewable energy and thermal sources. Close to 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects — including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities — are currently in the company's pipeline. The post LNG a vital transition fuel, says Aboitiz Power appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Child rights to clean Earth
The first authoritative and comprehensive interpretation of member-states’ obligations in fulfilling children’s rights to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment was issued under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. “General Comment 26 on children’s rights and the environment with a special focus on climate change,” explicitly addresses the climate emergency, the collapse of biodiversity and pervasive pollution. A child-friendly version of the General Comment has also been released today. The CRC is the most widely ratified treaty in the world, created in 1989 and ratified by 196 states. It outlines universal children’s rights such as the right to life, survival and development, and the right to health. The Philippines was one of the first countries to ratify the CRC in August 1990. The Philippines ranks first in terms of disaster risk according to the World Risk Index for 2022, as well as the first in the East Asia and Pacific region on the Child Climate Risk Index. Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency, and slower onset climate impacts, such as rising sea levels and increasing temperatures are affecting the health, nutrition and education of children in the country. Poor children, children with disabilities, children who belong to indigenous groups, children in situations of armed conflict, and girls, are especially vulnerable. General Comment 26, a result of global and intergenerational engagement, requires States to be responsible not only for protecting children’s rights from immediate harm, but also for foreseeable violations of their rights in the future. States can be held accountable for environmental harm occurring within their borders, as well as the harmful impacts of environmental damage and climate change beyond their borders. Children’s views must be considered in environmental decision-making, and equipping them with education and tools to act, advocate and protect themselves from environmental harm are also critical. Member-states, such as the Philippines, are also urged to take immediate action including organizing the phase out of coal, oil and natural gas and shifting to renewable energy sources, improving air quality, and ensuring access to clean water, transforming industrial agriculture and fisheries to produce healthy and sustainable food, and protecting biodiversity. The post Child rights to clean Earth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prime venture lights up households’ hopes
Giving Filipino families comfort in their abodes plainly is not possible without adequate electricity — a situation that Solar Tanauan Corp., a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. led by businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr., hopes to immediately address. The renewable energy company is integrating advanced project design and execution tools into its solar plant developments in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite as part of its drive to augment affordable and clean energy supply in the country. Digital twin technology Solar Tanauan utilizes digital twin technology, drone verification of progress, optimized string sizing, and 24/7 quality assurance/quality control monitoring both at the factory and at the site. It has also conducted a Front End Engineering Design to streamline the procurement and construction phases, packaged contracting, and owner-supplied materials. These technologies allow each party to focus on their specialties, optimize risk allocation, and use software for simplifying complex earthwork assessment for terrain-following layouts. “We are proud to have the most advanced execution technology and strategy for a solar power project here in the Philippines. This is a testament to Prime Infra’s approach in deploying renewable energy projects and reaffirms our commitment to pioneer innovative solutions towards a clean energy future,” Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci said in a statement sent to the press on Friday. Solar plants commissioned by yearend Prime Infra previously said it expects to start commissioning its 140-megawatt solar power plants in Tanauan, Batangas and Maragondon, Cavite by the end of the year. The company kicked off the construction of the plants in April. The projects are estimated to have an annual generation capacity of 202 gigawatt-hours — enough to power up over 84,000 households and displace over 100,000 tons of coal annually. The Tanauan and Maragondon solar power plants will have an installed gross capacity of up to 140 megawatts. Total annual generation capacity is estimated to power over 84,000 households and displace over 100,000 tons of coal per year. Once running, the projects will also support the national government’s bid to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s total energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Last year, renewable energy only took up 22.8 percent of the total mix. By then, Filipino families would benefit through a steady supply of electricity at lower cost. The post Prime venture lights up households’ hopes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco bumps up RE source shift
The Manila Electric Company or Meralco has secured 1,880 megawatts or MW of renewable energy capacity — surpassing its initial target of 1,500 MW under the Renewable Portfolio Standards or RPS policy. The company reiterated over the weekend that increasing a portion of its supply portfolio from renewable energy is an integral part of its long-term sustainability strategy. “We will continue to elevate and evolve our sustainability initiatives as we implement our long-term sustainability strategy that involves the adoption of next-generation clean technologies and deep decarbonization efforts as we aspire to be coal-free by 2050,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond Ravelo said. Through Meralco’s strategic sourcing initiatives, renewable energy is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. This will eventually allow the company to reduce its total carbon emissions by 15 percent vis-à-vis its projected baseline 2030 emissions, in line with its energy transition commitment. 35 percent RE by 2030 Under the RPS Policy, electricity suppliers are mandated to source a portion of their requirements from RE given the government’s goal to increase the share of clean energy in the country’s energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Currently, the RPS requirement is set at +2.52 percent per annum. Amid an aggressive sustainability drive, Meralco PowerGen Corp. or MGen, the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, recently announced that it earmarked P18 billion to accelerate its renewable energy expansion. The investment will bankroll the development of over 2 gigawatts or GW of gross RE capacity from solar and wind power — targeted to be delivered by the end of the decade or by 2030. The allotted budget will also help MGen and its renewable energy unit MGen Renewable Energy or MGreen augment its RE capacity to 1,500 MW as it will fund investments in larger green energy projects, including those with battery energy storage systems. The post Meralco bumps up RE source shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Study shows rising RE project interest
The local renewable energy sector is expected to further grow as more high-value investors have signified their interest to finance the sector’s development. According to a new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis or IEEFA titled “Business Model Innovations Drive the Philippines Energy Transition,” the notably aggressive plans of both the government and the private sector caught foreign investors’ attention. “In terms of how investors view asset values, pure play renewables companies command a valuation premium over utilities having lower levels of renewables in their mix,” Ramnath Iyer, report author and IEEFA’s Climate and Renewable Energy Finance Lead, Asia, said. “Valuation premiums for pure-play renewables companies — as seen in their higher price-to-book ratios, the stronger market valuation of installed capacity, and stock performance over the past five years — suggest that this focus on renewables as a concentrated strategy has paid off.” The report presented the Philippines as home to innovative models in the renewable energy space. The study also highlighted the growing list of the country’s listed renewables developers and operators, including ACEN Corp., Citicore Energy REIT Corp. or CREIT, and Solar Philippines. The IEEFA study particularly noted that investors are willing to reward firms that plan to grow in the field of renewables and can execute their plans, the report finds. Each MW counts For instance, investors value each megawatt or MW of installed capacity at ACEN at P137 million based on the market capitalization and megawatts in operation as of 4 August, and CREIT at P102 million per MW. Meanwhile, non-pure plays First Gen Corporation and Aboitiz Power are valued at only P26.7 million per MW and P73.7 million per MW, respectively. As such, it was notable that both Solar Philippines and ACEN have received significantly higher investor support compared to First Gen and Aboitiz Power, which have underperformed even broader equity benchmarks. Despite this, First Gen had shown a willingness to explore innovative options. To raise capital for growth in renewables, it has a successful track record of partnering with international investors and infrastructure players. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power remains more heavily geared to coal in the medium term, which makes up more than 60 percent of its mix, and also has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.1 (net) and 1.5 (gross). “Laggards, who stick with fossil fuel assets as their main line of business, will likely continue to see ebbing interest among investors and financial markets unless they can change and adopt some of the more successful strategies,” Iyers noted. Based on the targets set by the DoE, the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix should increase to 35 percent by 2035 and 50 percent by 2040. However, it is still notable that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines still heavily rely on coal. Coal, which is cheaper compared to other forms of power but more detrimental to the environment, is still the highest contributor to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent. Renewable energy only takes a little over 20 percent of the mix as of end-2022. The post Study shows rising RE project interest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco infusing P18B for RE bid
Amid an aggressive sustainability drive, Meralco PowerGen Corp. or MGen, the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, has earmarked P18 billion to accelerate its renewable energy or RE expansion. The company disclosed over the weekend that the investment will bankroll the development of over 2 gigawatts or GW of gross RE capacity from solar and wind power — targeted to be delivered by the end of the decade or by 2030. The allotted budget will also help MGen and its renewable energy unit MGen Renewable Energy or MGreen augment its RE capacity to 1,500 MW as it will fund investments in larger green energy projects, including those with battery energy storage systems. MGen started its journey towards a balanced, low-carbon energy mix through the opening of BulacanSol’s 55 MWac solar plant located in San Miguel, Bulacan in 2021. MGreen currently has an RE portfolio that also includes the 68MWac solar farm in Currimao, Ilocos Norte with Vena Energy’s Pasuquin Energy Holdings Inc. and the PH Renewables Inc.’s or PHRI 75 MWac solar farm in Baras, Rizal with Mitsui & Co.’s Mit-Renewables Power Corp. PHRI recently completed the commissioning tests for Phase 1 of its project involving 67.5 MWac which is scheduled for commercial operations by mid-August 2023. Phase 2 of the project is targeted to be operational by mid-2024. MGen president and CEO Jaime T. Azurin said the company is currently assessing other possible RE developments that it could take on in the future. It is aligned with One Meralco’s target to reduce its direct emissions by 20 percent through 2030 as it drives to be coal-free before 2050. Collaboration continues “We will continue to work with the energy industry, government, and other pertinent stakeholders to help further accelerate the country’s energy transition as we aggressively pursue more renewable energy projects,” Azurin said. This is in line with Meralco’s long-term sustainability strategy to embark on a just, affordable, and orderly transition to clean energy,” he added. These include the two solar projects: the 49MWac solar plant in Cordon, Isabela; and the 18.75 MWac solar plant in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija — both of which are among the winning bidders in the Department of Energy’s second round of Green Energy Auction Program. Based on the targets set by the DoE, the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix should increase to 35 percent by 2035 and 50 percent by 2040. However, it is still notable that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy use, the Philippines still relies heavily on coal. Coal, which is cheaper compared to other forms of power but more detrimental to the environment, is still the highest contributor to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent. Renewable energy only takes a little over 20 percent of the mix as of last year. The post Meralco infusing P18B for RE bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia capital becomes world’s most polluted major city: monitor
Indonesian capital Jakarta has become the world's most polluted major city, according to air quality monitoring firm IQAir, topping global charts for days as authorities fail to grapple with a spike in toxic smog. Air pollution is estimated to contribute to seven million premature deaths every year and is considered by the United Nations to be the single biggest environmental health risk. The capital and its surroundings form a megalopolis of about 30 million people that has outpaced other heavily polluted cities including Riyadh, Doha and Lahore all week for its concentration of tiny particles known as PM2.5. It has topped Swiss company IQAir's ranking of pollution data -- which only tracks major cities -- every day since Monday, according to an AFP tally. Jakarta has regularly recorded "unhealthy" levels of PM2.5, which can penetrate airways to cause respiratory problems, many times the World Health Organization's recommended levels. President Joko Widodo told reporters Monday he plans to tackle pollution levels by reducing "Jakarta's burden" as the country prepares to move its capital to Nusantara on Borneo island next year. He also said a planned metro train network across Jakarta "must be finished" to reduce pollution. Residents have complained that the pollution caused by industrial smog, traffic congestion and coal-powered plants was affecting their lives and health. "I have to wear a mask all the time. Both my body and my face are suffering," Anggy Violita, a 32-year-old officer worker in Jakarta, told AFP. "Last week my entire family was sick for a week and the doctor told me I should stay indoors," the mother-of-two added. In 2021 a court ruled in favor of a lawsuit filed by activists and citizens against the government, ordering Widodo to clean up the city's notorious air pollution and ruling he and other top officials had been negligent in protecting residents. Indonesia has pledged to stop building new coal-fired power plants from 2023 and to be carbon neutral by 2050. But despite an outcry from activists, the government is expanding the enormous Suralaya coal plant on Java island, one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. According to Greenpeace Indonesia, 10 coal-fired power plants are operating within a 100-kilometre (62 miles) radius of the capital. The post Indonesia capital becomes world’s most polluted major city: monitor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US lab repeats nuclear fusion feat, with higher yield
US scientists responsible for a historic nuclear fusion breakthrough say they have repeated the feat -- this time achieving a greater yield of energy. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory stunned the world in December when it announced it had carried out an experimental nuclear reaction that put out more energy than was put into it, a holy grail of science in the quest for unlimited, clean power to end the era of fossil fuels. "We can confirm the experiment produced a higher yield than the December 2022 experiment," public information officer Paul Rhien said Monday in an emailed statement, without disclosing specific figures. He added the California lab planned to report the results at upcoming scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications. The new development was first reported by the Financial Times. Nuclear fusion has been touted by its supporters as a clean, abundant, and safe source of energy that could eventually allow humanity to break its dependence on coal, crude oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbons driving a global climate crisis. However, there is still a long way to go before fusion is viable on an industrial scale, providing power to homes and businesses. Nuclear power plants around the world currently use fission -- the splitting of a heavy atom's nucleus -- to produce energy. Fusion on the other hand combines two light hydrogen atoms to form one heavier helium atom, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. That is what occurs inside stars, including our Sun. On Earth, fusion reactions can be provoked by heating hydrogen to extreme temperatures inside specialized devices. Like fission, fusion is carbon-free during operation, and has additional critical advantages: it poses no risk of nuclear disaster and produces much less radioactive waste. During December's experiment, the lab used 192 ultra-powerful lasers to deliver 2.05 megajoules of energy to a tiny capsule smaller than a pea containing isotopes of hydrogen. It produced 3.15 megajoules of fusion energy output. While the result was a net energy gain, 300 megajoules of energy were needed from the electrical grid to power the lasers. The post US lab repeats nuclear fusion feat, with higher yield appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Forked-tongue promises
Commitment to transparency is among the qualities of a corporation that investors and the public look at before making the crucial decision to either infuse some capital into it or buy its products. Power companies have the bigger responsibility for disclosures during the difficult period of rising prices, coupled with the global effort to save the earth from climate catastrophe as a result of greenhouse gases. In 2017, a movement among global big businesses for full disclosure of their projects that may impact the environment called Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, or TCFD, was launched. Since then, the country’s biggest corporations have signed up to the global transparency movement but not San Miguel Corp. Instead, SMC said in its annual report that it “developed a comprehensive, standardized data template to capture pertinent data and disclosures on our material ESG topics from our various subsidiaries,” without actually signing up for the global accord. Among companies engaged in power generation, SMC also lags in terms of its climate commitments. Think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development said in 2019 that First Gen of the Lopez Group announced it will “lead the transition to a decarbonized energy system in line with the United Nations target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.” SMC, which now dominates energy production through fossil fuel, also has not made any commitments to align with the 1.5°C Paris temperature goal. CEED said that unlike some of the biggest conglomerates in the country, SMC has yet to indicate unqualified support for TCFD. The body was created to develop recommendations on the types of information that should be disclosed by corporations to support investors, lenders and insurance underwriters in appropriately assessing and pricing a specific set of risks related to climate change. The Aboitiz Group, through its holding company Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., was the first local supporter of TCFD. The global movement said on its online site that companies that express support for TCFD recommendations “join a cohort of leading companies that take action against climate change and are thoughtful to consider how climate change will impact their businesses.” “Easing transparency makes markets more efficient, and economies more stable and resilient,” Michael Bloomberg, TCFD chairperson said. According to CEED, the disclosure of climate risks in key private undertakings would guide SMC and its shareholders in making informed choices in “an increasingly carbon-constrained world.” It added that the value of climate-disclosure information and SMC’s plans for a low-carbon economy are becoming increasingly valuable for stakeholders. SMC, by the way, has major shareholders affiliated with the Catholic Church that have kept silent amid the reluctance of the Asian giant for full disclosure. Church groups, ironically, have been calling for action and accountability from financial institutions, energy and extractive companies, and government leaders to contribute to efforts to save the planet. In July 2021, SMC announced plans to move away from building new coal facilities, including those that use “clean technology,” and move towards clean energy. SMC, however, never discloses which power plant projects will be dropped except for three projects in Quezon and Cebu that have total capacities of 1,500 megawatts. CEED said data from the DoE from July 2020 showed plans for new coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 3,628 MW until a moratorium imposed by the Department of Energy disrupted these plans. SMC also stated that it is aggressively pursuing more sustainable sources of energy which include expensive liquefied natural gas. The duplicity is very apparent since the company’s environmental commitments clash with its actual program to dominate power generation through imported fossil fuel. The post Forked-tongue promises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl halfway through energy security bid
The Philippines, being a net importer of fuel, still has plenty of room to grow in terms of delivering an energy-secure landscape for the people. Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, however, said he is optimistic the country can achieve its targets, guided by the Philippine Energy Development Plan, hopefully within the Marcos administration. “On a scale of one to 10, with 10 representing 100 percent energy security, and we are importing 56 percent, I place that at around five then. “But it can even be lower because our ability to respond to extreme events and natural disasters still needs many improvements,” said Lotilla Tuesday in an interview on Straight Talk, Daily Tribune’s online show. He added: “Now one way of addressing this of course is through the diversification of sources, primarily indigenous, and that’s where renewable energy comes in.” According to Lotilla, the government’s push to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix is a driving force that would help deliver its targets. Lotilla, who was also the Energy secretary during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, noted that the country’s clean energy take-up had dwindled over time. Last November, the Department of Energy amended a section of the Implementing Rules and Regulations or IRR of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Energy mix To guide the government in reaching its targets, the DoE has set a target of 35 percent share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2035, increasing it further to 50 percent by 2040. Heavy reliance on coal It is still notable, however, that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal. Coal, which is cheaper compared to other forms of power but more detrimental to the environment, is still the highest contributor to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent. Renewable energy only takes a little over 22 percent of the mix. “The last time I was in the department, it was around 40 percent renewables. Now we are at around 22 percent. That is why we are ramping up the exploration for indigenous gas, which is locally available to us,” Lotilla said. Oil exploration Since the Philippines is under-explored, the DoE recently signed a 50-50 joint agreement with the Bangsamoro government to begin oil exploration in the Sulu Sea. “It’s joint because whatever is found the net proceeds will be divided 50-50 between the national government and the Bangsamoro,” he said. The agreement, finalized last month, allows for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The DoE signed the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. The IEB Circular operationalized the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for power source development in Bangsamoro. Lotilla suggested that utilizing the energy resources in the area could entice investments, create job opportunities, promote sustainable growth, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for the residents. The post Phl halfway through energy security bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dirty brew
Harmony with the communities where San Miguel Corp. — which gained fame for its renowned beer — has put up its energy plants is not what the company is projecting, as most plants have been the subject of massive complaints from residents. According to a survey by think-tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development, most of the complaints are related to the effects on the environment of the projects. For instance, in 2017, communities and civil society organizations launched the Break Free 2017 campaign to oppose the expansion of fossil fuel industries at the project site of SMC’s Limay Coal Power Plant. Residents of Limay, Bataan complained of being exposed to the emissions of the then 300-megawatt, or MW, coal plant and the 140-MW plant of the Petron Bataan Fuel Refinery. The groups’ claim that the plant’s testing operations may have resulted in ash spills was found to be accurate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which issued a Cease and Desist Order. Before SMC acquired the Masinloc power plant in 2018, the plant was already subjected to opposition, which led to delays in its operation during the 1990s. Environmentalists, farmers, and fishermen at the time staged protests, claiming that contaminated water from the plant would reduce the fish catch. The Masinloc power plant was then owned and operated by state firm National Power Corp. and was billed as the solution to the long brownouts that Luzon suffered daily. Using his emergency powers, then-President Fidel Ramos endorsed the quick construction of the project, displacing over 1,000 individuals in the process. It was then discovered that the plant produced over 385,000 tons of ash yearly, putting local communities’ health at risk. The previous owners of the Masinloc power plant claimed to have spent over $1 billion for its realignment to make it more environmentally friendly. SMC considered the power asset as allowing them to increase their footprint in clean coal technology. There were then also complaints from residents whom CEED said were directly impacted by some of SMCGP’s coal power plants. The residents alleged harassment and intimidation by various individuals for them to give up their properties. In 2016, SMCGP proposed to construct and operate its Limay Power Station in Limay, Bataan. A portion of the power plant site was thereafter fenced off by private individuals who claimed to have sold the property, and people were prohibited from entering or accessing the crops they had planted in the area. The situation was the same in Sariaya, Quezon in 2018, after SMCGP proposed the construction of a circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant in the municipality. In Mariveles, Bataan, where SMC’s Mariveles coal-fired power plant units 1 to 4 will rise, residents found themselves ousted from the property they were living on, through rights, at the peak of the Covid-19 lockdowns by alleged landowners claiming the property had been sold. SMC’s mining business is also facing its fair share of opposition. Its Daguma Agro Minerals Inc., or DAMI, was granted a coal development and production operating contract in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat by the Department of Energy back in 2002. The contract included the 17,000 hectares of collective land that the SMC mining companies planned to explore. San Miguel Energy Corp. acquired full ownership of DAMI, which was owned by a group headed by businessman Ben Guingona. DAMI has coal mines in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, in areas known for being rich in mineral deposits. DAMI’s projects in South Cotabato were opposed by environmental advocates, the local Catholic diocese, and the host communities, due to environmental and encroachment concerns. DAMI uses the strip mining method, a form of open-pit mining that is forbidden by South Cotabato’s 2010 environment code. The provincial board of South Cotabato rejected a resolution that would have endorsed DAMI’s mining operations since it violated South Cotabato’s ban on open-pit mining. The provincial board, however, moved to amend the code and lift the ban. Local officials are now under fire as they kept residents unaware of SMC’s tree-clearing operations. South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., in response, vetoed the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining. The classic sound bite of the company of leaving no one behind is hard to discern from the way SMC treats communities it considers as getting in the way of its massive projects. The post Dirty brew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Render unto Ceasar
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ plenary assembly in 2022 said the Roman Catholic Church will divest from banks and projects that are involved in fossil fuels as part of its contribution to the movement for clean energy. The warning showed the financial muscle through its corporate shares that the bishops can muster to influence the realm of business. In a pastoral letter, the CBCP said it will use its shareholdings in domestic banks to demand policies and plans to “phase out their exposure to coal, fossil gas, and destructive energy in line with the 1.5°C ambition.” “Without clear commitments and policies from these banks to divest from fossil fuels, we commit to withdraw all our resources that are with them not later than 2025, and hold them accountable to their fiduciary duties and moral obligations as climate actors,” read the pastoral letter. In its latest pastoral letter about the “climate emergency” last March, however, the Church bravado has dissipated and instead has been replaced by a warning that it will enforce the “CBCP-initiated non-acceptance policy of donations of whatever kind, from owners or operators and any representative of extractive companies regardless of the scale of operation.” The new position is oceans apart from the earlier encompassing threat to divest from all dirty energy projects and their financiers. Such flip-flops have been the impediment of the Church in exerting its supposed moral guidance in what the Bible says is Caesar’s domain. The Catholic Church is heavily invested in the biggest corporations in the country. In San Miguel Corporation, for instance, the list of its top 100 shareholders shows more than P600 million in investments from Church-affiliated entities. The Archbishop of Manila is currently listed as the fifth largest shareholder in one of the biggest lenders in the country, which is a huge provider of loans to energy projects, with 62 percent of its energy portfolio comprising coal. The bank’s exposure to coal projects is estimated at $444.82 million. The archbishops of archdioceses in Jaro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga are also major stockholders of the bank. The Manila archdiocese is also among the top shareholders in a giant mining firm through shares worth more than P66 million. It also has huge capital as a supplier of construction materials. When the Catholic Church appealed for donations for the renovation of the Manila Cathedral in 2013, top corporation SMC came to its aid with P50 million while Metrobank donated P20 million. In no time at all, the P136-million project was funded. Regarding donations, in 2011, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office named a priest and several Catholic bishops who received sports utility vehicles funded through the agency’s charity fund. The PCSO revelation sparked a Senate investigation and the bishops agreed to surrender the vehicles. A Commission on Audit report said the grant of the five vehicles amounting to P7 million violated the constitutional provision that “no public money or property shall be appropriated, applied or employed directly or indirectly, for the use of, benefit or support to any sect, church, denomination… except when such priest, preacher or dignitary is assigned to the Armed Forces or any penal institution, or government orphanage or leprosarium.” During a Senate investigation on the controversy, PCSO director Aleta Tolentino revealed that a bishop asked for a car as a birthday gift but used the welfare of the poor as an excuse. During the inquiry, Tolentino said, “We are not against the Church. We are just denouncing what happened in the past — corruption of government funds, which is prohibited by the Constitution itself.” “Would the bishops rather that we keep mum or lie about it? Would they want us to just keep quiet about this?” she added. With its heavily compromised state as a result of its financial involvement, the Church has abandoned its role as a conscience of society in the pursuit of uplifting the lives of Filipinos. The post Render unto Ceasar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Safer, stronger communities with AboitizPower’s mangrove projects
As communities feel the effects of a warming world, the importance of propagating and protecting mangroves stand out in the efforts to mitigate carbon emissions buildup. While already being able to sequester three to five times more carbon than forest trees, mangroves also do a lot more, serving as a habitat for various species in coastal ecosystems — hence, sustaining the livelihoods of fisherfolk — and as a protector of vulnerable communities against erosion and storm surges. In celebration of the International Day for Conservation of Mangroves, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognizes the tremendous importance of mangroves, as well as the exemplary efforts of its business units and stakeholders in helping conserve and restore mangrove forests in their communities. Quarterly collaborations In Maco, Davao de Oro, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. celebrated Philippine Environmental Month last June with another one of its quarterly collaborations with the public sector and civil society organizations in cleaning the coast and planting mangroves within its vicinity. “The first mangrove tree planting and clean-up drive took place in 2019, and since then, it has become a recurring event for TMI,” said TMI safety, health and environment supervisor Chrisyl Garcia. “By organizing these activities on a regular basis, TMI is able to contribute to the restoration of mangrove habitats and the overall well-being of coastal ecosystems.” “By conducting these events, TMI aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and engage community members, volunteers, and employees in hands-on conservation efforts. The initiative has likely fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among participants,” she added. On that single June day, a total of 110 kilograms of residual waste were collected, while 550 mangrove seedlings were planted. Over the years, TMI's mangrove-planting and clean-up drive has consistently gained momentum, with increased participation from volunteers from the Diocese of Maco, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police, the 1001st Brigade, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office and local private company Gas Island Petroleum Corp. “These stakeholders have played a crucial role in leading discussions on how to effectively plant the mangroves. Their expertise and experience have been invaluable in guiding the participants on the proper techniques and methods of planting mangrove saplings. They share their knowledge about the ideal planting locations, appropriate species selection, and necessary care and maintenance practices for the newly planted mangroves,” Garcia said. This collaboration has enhanced the success and impact of TMI's mangrove-planting and clean-up drives, ensuring that the activities are conducted in a well-informed and efficient manner. “Overall, the consistent involvement of volunteers and leaders in discussing mangrove planting techniques underscores the collective effort and shared commitment towards the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems,” said Garcia. [caption id="attachment_162206" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Volunteers from public, private and civil society organizations work together at TMI, not just in planting mangroves, but also in fostering strong partnerships and creating a platform for knowledge exchange and shared responsibility in mangrove conservation.[/caption] Adopt-a-mangrove Meanwhile, in Mariveles, Bataan, GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. kickstarted its own efforts in mangrove conservation by signing a memorandum of agreement with development partners for an estimated P7-million “5 Hectares Orani Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project” that is expected to start implementation in September. Under the MOA, GMEC partnered with the provincial government of Bataan, the municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the allotted five hectares for a period of five years, subject to possible renewal. “Through this initiative, we envision to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the province of Bataan, starting in the municipality of Orani,” said GMEC associate vice president for community relations Arcel Madrid. “Adopting a mangrove site is vital for coal-fired power plant companies like GMEC because mangrove forests play a significant role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.” “With these efforts, GMEC will also help uplift the lives of our community partner, the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association, by providing a sustainable fishing ground and viable alternative livelihood to improve their socio-economic status,” he added. In the longer run, GMEC looks forward to more mangrove site adoption projects and other corporate social responsibility endeavors that are aligned with local and national development goals. [caption id="attachment_162207" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Representatives from GMEC, the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association sign an MOA on mangrove adoption and protection.[/caption] Coastal stronghold At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary, not just of pawikan (turtles) and rare bird species, but also of mangrove biodiversity. “It’s unbelievable how [the] Aboitiz [Foundation] has developed Punta Dumalag Cleanergy Park to what it is today,” said frequent visitor Cyra Quilaneta of Junior Chamber International Davaoeña Daba-Daba. “The highlight for us [in visiting the park] is the education and experience it provides our members and their guests, especially the youth. We get to appreciate the importance of mangroves by seeing its functions personally — trapping [coastal] trashes and [supporting] turtle hatcheries.” The team at AboitizPower distribution unit Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. spearhead the activities at the Cleanergy Park, which include educating students and guests by hosting tours, as well as assisting them with mangrove-planting. “JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba, together with JCI Davao, is an organization that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #14: Life Below Water. By protecting and restoring mangroves, we contribute to overall sustainable development,” Cyra said. To date, 18,138 mangroves have been planted at the Cleanergy Park. However, several natural and man-made factors have rendered its survival rate at only 30 percent. “While [the] Aboitiz Foundation and its partners have made commendable strides in mangrove protection, the task is far from complete. Mangrove protection requires collective effort to be effective. Mangroves face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction,” Cyra explained. “To ensure the long-term viability of mangrove ecosystems, ongoing efforts are necessary. Continuous awareness, education and action of more groups and organizations is crucial.” “Sustainability remains at the core of AboitizPower and our business units have concretized this through their efforts in caring for mangrove ecosystems and the wider environment,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “I commend our team members for helping harness the collective efforts of the company, various partners and host communities in bringing us closer to our aspiration of a better and cleaner tomorrow.” The post Safer, stronger communities with AboitizPower’s mangrove projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»