Phl seeks rich countries' help in promoting renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippine government has sought the help of developed countries in promoting the use of renewable energy (RE) sources, the country’s top energy official said.

In the recently concluded Vienna Energy Forum (VEF), Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras specifically highlighted the need for more funding for greater research and development (R&D) on RE development.

“We call on developed countries to provide the necessary funding and technologies for green industries especially for those which we could not develop on our own,” Almendras said.

Almendras has called on the developed nations to lend a hand to developing countries in terms of new and innovative RE solutions.

“Let us work hand in hand at developing and building economically viable solutions to address our unique green industry needs,” he said.

The energy chief, a panelist in one of the forum’s sessions, said developed countries have a crucial role in pursuing a “green” economy.

“Renewable energy (i.e., geothermal, hydro, biomass, solar and wind) accounts for 27.2 percent of the total primary energy mix. With the inclusion of natural gas, the Philippines green power generation stands at 55.1 percent. We have achieved this forum’s goal of 30 percent green energy,” Almendras said.

He said the Philippines “will not stop here, the development of our green energy sector continues,” adding that RE could help bring about energy access for all as the government is looking at RE as a means for providing energy access to the remaining 27 percent of the population who remains with no access to electricity.

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently launched the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) which will serve as a roadmap for the country’s renewable energy plans and development. Through the NREP, the DOE seeks to triple the existing renewable energy generation which stands at around 5,400 megawatts as of 2010.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organized the VEF to facilitate international dialogue on providing universal energy access and increasing energy efficiency.

The VEF was attended by heads of state, policy makers, experts, civil society and private sector representatives.