Green energy urged, shown doable in 2 provinces

BAGUIO CITY—Ifugao and Isabela provinces are hosting new and bigger green energy projects to address a growing demand for electricity after the term of President Aquino in 2016.

The Ifugao provincial board was provided recently with an outline of a 360-megawatt hydroelectric facility being developed by the Aboitiz Group of Companies, which would combine the output of three plants based in the towns of Lagawe and Mayoyao in the province.

The ranks of former lawmakers want the government to invest in clean energy to address the looming power crisis estimated by experts to hit by the second quarter of next year.

Pastor Benny Abante, who has formed the group Bayan Mamamayan Abante Movement, said it appeared that the government’s quick solution to the emerging crisis is to turn to highly-polluting energy sources.

“What is more disappointing is the inclination of the administration toward the acquisition of fossil-fuel-run power generators to avert the crisis, when the rest of the world has embarked on renewable and cleaner energy sources for the past several decades,” said Abante in a statement.

Abante, former member of the House of Representatives, said the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 mandates government to encourage investments in green energy.

“No need to reinvent the wheel,” Abante said. “We should make use of existing laws to address this problem and explore clean alternative fuel,” he said.

The SN Aboitiz Power Group had acquired a renewable energy service contract (RESC) from the Department of Energy for the integrated power complex.

The Ifugao project adds to a growing stock of upland power facilities, now contributing as much as 337.75 MW to the Luzon grid, according to the National Economic and Development Authority.

Benguet province hosts 14 power plants. Two of the country’s oldest hydroelectric plants—Ambuklao and Binga—are in Benguet.

In a July 8 report, Milagros Rimando, Neda Cordillera regional director, said the region’s hydropower potential has been estimated at 3,587 MW (representing 27 percent of the country’s power potential), and major developments are in the offing in Mt. Province.

The Mt. Province towns of Barlig, Bauko, Besao and its capital, Bontoc, have rivers that could generate as much as 297.5 MW, according to Neda.

In Isabela, Gov. Faustino Dy III said the government is investing in three biomass power plants in the province to produce a combined 57 MW.

Abante cited the support for green energy made by Vice President Jejomar Binay as a ray of hope for the country’s energy industry. Vincent Cabreza and Villamor Visaya Jr., Inquirer Northern Luzon