DOE: A ‘brighter future’ for 2012

The Department of Energy (DOE) promised a “brighter future” in the development of renewable energy sources for 2012.

Director Mario Marasigan of the DOE renewable energy management bureau said they are conducting feasibility studies on 10 sites for renewable energy sources in Visayas.

“We need to develop renewable energy so we can diversify our power sources,” Marasigan said in a press conference yesterday for the International Conference on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

The two-day forum, organized by the German organization Geothe-Institut Philippinen and the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to discuss the development of technology for renewables.

Marasigan said the sites are in Negros and Panay and would focus on wind, biomass and tides.

Information and education campaign in the local government units in Negros and Panay are done to encourage the adaptation of renewable energy source, he said.

Marasigan said they are also doing a feasibility study for possible energy sources in Cebu.

“Renewable energy is more appropriate because we are in the tropics. It’s a good opportunity for us to harness,” Marasigan said.

The DOE is eyeing to triple the 5,500 MW power from renewable energy source by 2030.

Marasigan emphasized that Cebu’s coal-fired power plant, which produces around 1,500 MW of power in the Visayas grid daily, would only stabilize the power demand within three to five years.

“Cebu’s population is increasing, and these (power supply) are limited compared to what we need. We need to develop renewable energy sources as soon as we can,” he said./Reporter Candeze Mongaya