Speed up green energy development, lawmaker urges gov’t

MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Teodorico Haresco of the party-list group Ang Kasangga urged the government yesterday to speed up the development of “green” energy to lessen the country’s dependence on oil.

He said the development of alternative sources of energy like wind, solar, runoff water, and bio-mass would not only mean less foreign currency spent on oil but will also translate into less harmful gas emissions.

He said the country should slowly move away from fossil fuels, which he added would become more expensive as nations grow economically, oil consumption increases and supply becomes more difficult to procure.

Aside from these factors, there is also the threat of unrest in some oil-producing countries, which would drive prices up, he said.

Haresco suggested that the government should encourage projects in alternative energy development and production and distribution of hybrid vehicles.

He said the Philippines should learn from the experience of some developed countries, which constantly work to increase the efficiency of green energy solutions to the point that they become affordable on a massive scale.

He said the government should offer incentives for the production of hybrid and other energy-efficient vehicles.

“We should already start looking into entering this industry both on a large scale and a micro-entrepreneurial level. For example, some enterprising businessmen can look into manufacturing lightweight shells or components for vehicles,” he said.

Haresco himself pioneered the solar and battery powered E-trike, a public utility vehicle that uses no petroleum products, and is therefore emission and noise pollution free.

“In this case alone, one can already see multiple benefits. Primary of course is the increased take-home income of the tricycle driver. But there is also the huge potential if we could manufacture, market, and export this technology on a global scale. The technology is not rocket science and could be manufactured here relatively easily,” he said.

He said the government could also speed up the exploration and development of natural gas other than the Malampaya well in Palawan.

“With the looming final peace deal between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), an improved peace and order situation in Mindanao would make it possible for investors to explore areas which are thought to be rich in oil and natural gas and tap its fertile soil to grow crops that can be used to produce bio-fuel,” he said.

He pointed out that other green projects that could be pursued include wind and solar energy.

“We have lots of these natural resources. Other countries such as Taiwan have been achieving technological breakthroughs to make solar plants and wind farms more efficient. It would be of vital and immense strategic importance if we could develop within five years vital solar and wind energy infrastructure,” he added.

He noted that the country’s only wind energy plant, the Bangui wind farm in Ilocos Norte, is a model that could be replicated.

“The Bangui farm is generating 33 megawatts, enough to power about 20,000 modern households, more if we’re talking about rural areas,” he said.

He said other green energy projects are still on the drawing board.

The Energy Regulatory Commission has just approved the tariff rates consumers would pay for various green energy projects that investors will put up.

The rates will assure investors of a steady flow of income that would enable them to recoup their investments, plus a hefty profit.