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Monday, November 28, 2005
Coal plant project in Palimbang pushed
DEVELOPMENT of the proposed coal mining and coal-fired power plant projects in the coastal town of Palimbang on Sultan Kudarat has become a priority of the National Government as part of its efforts to meet the rising energy needs of Southern and Central Mindanao.
But environmentalists immediately scored government plans to mine coal and build a coal plant in Sultan Kudarat saying it is not the answer to energy security in the area.
In her visit to Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat Wednesday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) is currently speeding up the development of the coal projects, expected to open in two years.
"This will assure enough power supply for your area on a long term basis," Arroyo said.
The President graced the province's 32nd foundation anniversary and "Kalimudan" festival.
Arroyo said Palimbang, which, along with Lake Sebu town of nearby South Cotabato, is host to one of the biggest coal resources in Mindanao.
DOE officials said several potential investors have already signified interest to mine the coal deposits in Palimbang.
A report from the energy department earlier mentioned Indonesian and Singaporean investors as possible investors in the proposed 150-200 megawatt power plant in the area.
Investors from the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asian Growth Area have started talking with the government for the immediate development of the area's coal resources.
But environmental group Greenpeace warned that while coal plants might provide immediate power sources, its long term impact on the environment could be devastating.
Red Constantino, Greenpeace Southeast Asia regional energy campaigner, said coal plants, which have been cited as among the main causes of the severe global climate change, is not a viable solution in terms of providing "stable and cheap" energy supply.
He said studies made by their group showed that Filipinos are currently paying at least US$2.5 billion a year for the effects on pollution of the existing eight coal plants in the country.
This does not include direct payments on loans made by the government for the coal projects.
Constantino said the best and most efficient solution is for the government to develop instead the area's renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and biomass.
"It may be quite expensive to develop these resources but we will only pay for it once. The next day, it's free because the sun and wind are always there," he said.
Greenpeace is currently pushing for the use of renewable energy sources like sun, wind, and biomass for at least 10 percent of the country's energy needs by 2010. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(November 28, 2005 issue)
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