Cusi urges cooperation on energy security

MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the public and private sectors need to work closely together to ensure energy security and attain the vision of an energy independent Philippines.

In a recent virtual conference, Cusi said both the government and the private sector “must band together, because in unity there is power.”

“The government can only do so much. I cannot overemphasize the support of the private sector and our energy advocates in realizing our dream of an energy secure and energy independent Philippines. Let us make it happen in our lifetime,” he said.

In promoting the country’s renewable resources, Cusi said the development should be pursued without sacrificing the achievement of the country’s energy security.

This as he stressed the need to achieve energy security, as the agency adopted a technology neutral stand on power development.

“There is a need to strike a balance between meeting our current energy needs and building a better and cleaner world for the coming generations. Reality makes us realize that we cannot sacrifice one in favor of the other,” Cusi said.

As the current energy situation “leaves much to be desired,” Cusi said all options in power sourcing should be considered, including the possibility of tapping nuclear energy in the future.

“This is why the DOE is looking at developing all possible energy sources, including nuclear, to help the Philippines become energy secure,” Cusi said.

To show his full support to the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9513 or the Renewable Energy (RE) Act of 2008, Cusi has ordered a periodic review of the law “to see where we are at the moment and find stronger ways to promote our indigenous resources.”

RA 9513 promotes the development of the country’s renewable resources, including the provision of additional incentives for geothermal advancement.

“We cannot be at the mercy of global market volatilities, geopolitical movements, or pandemics. This is why we must ensure that our energy agenda directly responds to the unique needs of our country’s energy landscape. We cannot fit a square peg in a round hole,” he said.