Scrutinize coal-fired power plant applications–lawmakers
The government should closely scrutinize the applications pending in the Energy Regulatory Commission for the operation of seven coal-fired power plants in the country, two members of the House of Representatives said on Friday.
Citing the power plants’ harmful effects to the environment, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin voiced concern over the power supply agreements (PSAs) applications of seven subsidiaries of power utility company Manila Electric Co.
No justification
“Energy security or the increasing demand of the business sector for power should not be used as a justification to fast-track the approval of [PSAs],” Villarin said.
Among those covered by the PSA applications was the proposed 1,200-megawatt Atimonan One Energy Inc. power plant in Atimonan, Quezon, whose status as “energy project of national significance” was questioned by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate.
Another was the construction of the 670-MW Global Luzon Energy Development Corp. coal plant in Luna, La Union.
Article continues after this advertisement“Coal is the dirtiest [source] of energy,” Villarin said.
Zarate said: “They claim coal is the cheapest [source] of energy. But if you consider the health aspect, this will be more expensive in the long run because it is ‘dirty energy.’”
