PNOC taps UNIDO facility for marine current technology

The Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) has tapped the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for the construction of a first-of-its-kind marine current technology in the Philippines.

"This is new in the world and we believe this technology will be viable to the Philippines and we can use the Philippines as a springboard to introduce this new technology," UNIDO representative to the Philippines and the Pacific Raffaello Tarroni told The STAR.

As an indigenous source of energy along with biomass and solar power, the potential ocean energy that can be harnessed in the country has been estimated at about 250 megawatts (MW).

He said the initial phase of the project, including the conduct of a feasibility study, would need a budget of $1.6 million.

Tarroni added there will be no limit to the budget allocation for the project once it is proven to be feasible. "Based on the results of the study, we can always apply with the GEF for funding," he said.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has already identified several areas in the Southern and Central Visayas, specifically between Samar and Leyte, as potential sites for the project.

Tarroni said they expect the feasibility study to be completed within the year.

UNIDO helps developing countries and countries with their economies in transition by mobilizing knowledge, skills, information and technology to promote productive employment, a competitive economy and a sound environment.

In early 2001, UNIDO’s programs and projects totaled approximately $375 million. Under its new approach, where integrated programs become the principle instrument for the delivery of technical cooperation, 42 programs have been developed and most are already in operation. Of the $60 million already committed, 40 percent has been allocated to sub-Saharan Africa, 23 percent to the Arab region and 34 percent to central and eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America.

UNIDO’s financial resources come from regular and operational budgets, as well as special contributions for technical cooperation activities. The regular budget is derived from member countries’ assessed contributions, which for 2000-20001 amounted to $133.3 million. Technical cooperation is funded mainly through voluntary contribution from donor countries and institutions as well as by the UN Development Program, the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the GEF and the Common Fund for Commodities.

UNIDO was set up in 1966 and became a specialized agency of the UN in 1985. As part of the UN common system, UNIDO has responsibility for promoting industrialization throughout the developing world, in cooperation with its 169 members.