More about the oil crisis – Part 2

What is the best solution to solve the present oil crisis?

One route is to work out solutions within the framework of continuing oil use. Another is to work out solutions outside the present oil framework – in other words, explore, support, and develop alternative energy resources.

As discussed in our previous column, Rep. Erin Tañada discussed the legislative agenda to address the present oil crisis. He also discussed the second option – to explore clean, renewable energy resources such as wind, sun, and biomass, among others. He mentioned House Bill 2027 and House Bill 4193 that provide for mechanisms for the development and use of renewable energy sources.

Mr. Eric Bucoy reported, based on his continuing experience with electric cooperatives, that about 40% of 119 electric cooperatives are in the red due mainly to the high cost of electricity. He also reminded the audience that the EPIRA (which, along with government policies, are being tagged as the main reasons for the high cost of electricity) was sponsored by no less than then Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo!

He also shared that while this country relies heavily on imported fossil fuel, Korea has managed to import only about 10 to 20% of their fossil fuel needs. Is it possible for the Philippines to shift to non-fossil fuel sources and technology? Is there truly a clean coal technology, he asked.

Mr. Catalino Catan, the founder and owner of MAPECON, was given an international award for his invention of green charcoal with very high thermal capacity and, produced from mere fallen leaves!

Mr. Catan had long been offering to put up a green charcoal facility in Philippine municipalities. In the 1990s, he calculated that with about P100,000 and with a steady supply of fallen leaves and agricultural wastes, towns could produce cheaper, sustainable, and, environmentally-friendly green charcoal that can replace and even provide more heat than the conventional charcoal that our people have long been using. No one heard or believed him then. Perhaps with the present oil crisis, they will listen now?

Mr. Bob Bajenting of the Department of Agrarian Reform and Mr. Tony Rosal of the Department of Agriculture are advocates and builders of biogas facilities. We had the chance in the past to visit the home of Tony in Consolacion. The waste from the two pigs they raised then provided them with continuing cooking gas (no LPG needed) and light. In the biogas facilities constructed by Bob Bajenting, the wastes of the pigs also supplied the households with free, unlimited cooking gas!

Is it possible to convert human waste into biogas? Bob believes so and would like to experiment building such a facility in an urban poor community.

If residents can be informed and persuaded to manage a clean public toilet where human waste can be converted into biogas, then people do not need to buy LPG at all. With proper and responsible management, they can enjoy unlimited and free source of cooking gas and may even have their homes lighted for free!

There are also other energy sources that can be tapped: Rainwater, waves, the sun, even the fog and mist. If the government will not support research and development of these energy alternatives, perhaps non-government multisectoral collaboration can pave the self-reliant path out of this present oil crisis?

The present local and global crisis may turn out to be a blessing after all. For a world so used to expensive and highly polluting fossil fuels, the present crisis may just be the turning point to shift towards cleaner and safer alternative energy resources that can be enjoyed by all in the near future.

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