Aquino eyes efficient energy sources post-Yolanda

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said the effect of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” has led the government to re-assess the situation of the country’s power sector.

“The effect of typhoon Yolanda for our generation capacity in Visayas should serve as a lesson,” Aquino said during the groundbreaking ceremony for a natural gas plant in Batangas.

The President said the calamity has led the government to pursue changes in its energy plan.

“Our take away from the situation, with the worsening effects of climate change, we must make even greater measures to adapt. And this in large part includes reinforcing our supply of power,” he said.

The onslaught of “Yolanda” last November 8 resulted in a power deficit and month-long black out in Eastern Visayas and nearby areas, which hampered the government’s recovery efforts.

Aquino said there was also a need to re-asses the country’s sources of power and their effect on the environment.

“In the coming years, we will make a concerted effort to use more efficient forms of energy generation,” he said.

He said natural gas would play a “starring” role in this.

Aquino attended the groundbreaking ceremony of First Gen Corp.’s San Gabriel Power Plant in Sta. Rita, Batangas.

The 1,000-megawatt natural gas-fired project is set to be completed in a year or so. It is expected to augment the country’s energy supply.

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