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Thursday, March 04, 2004
Coal best option for Panay: Perez
By Nanette L. Guadalquiver
* It is just a matter of educating the people on the merits and benefits of a coal-fired power plant, Energy Sec. Vincent Perez says
* Coal would be the cheapest for Panay; it would provide reasonably priced power, he adds
DINGLE, Iloilo -- Energy Sec. Vincent Perez Jr. Wednesday said coal-fired power plants are still the "best potential" energy source for Panay despite efforts to utilize alternative power sources in the island.
"Really, the best potential (for Panay) is coal," said Perez, who graced the groundbreaking rites for the National Power Corp.'s Dingle Diesel Power Project II here.
Informed on the strong anti-coal sentiments in Iloilo, the energy official said, "It is just a matter of educating (the people) on the merits and benefits" of a coal-fired power plant.
"We have to do a better job of educating (the people)," he said.
Perez, who claims to be an environmentalist, being a founding trustee of conservation group WWF-Philippines, said new "clean coal" technology can already reduce or mitigate toxic emissions unlike those old plants in China and Eastern Europe.
"Coal would be the cheapest for Panay; it would provide reasonably priced power," said the former environment secretary.
Despite the rejection of the Iloilo Provincial Board of the proposed construction of a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Banate by
Kepco Philippines Corp., Perez said, "We'll have to consider that the problem is you need power. But the mentality is, not in our own backyard. You should rise above that or else nobody would build a plant here."
"We will study our options but we still feel coal has a role to balance the generation mix," he said, underscoring what he calls the "diversification" of power sources.
Although there are several alternative power sources in Panay such as wind and hydro, Perez said wind could be considered "intermittent" while hydro would only be good during rainy months.
He said, however, the energy department is still looking into the development of hydro resources in Timbaban in Madalag, Aklan and in Villa Siga in Patnongon, Antique.
Dingle diesel plant
Meanwhile, Wednesday's groundbreaking rites signaled the formal transfer of the 110-megawatt Pinamucan power plant from Batangas to Dingle.
The P629-million power project will be undertaken by the Dingle II Consortium, including construction giant DM Consunji Inc., Bendimil Construction and Development Corp., Alsons Power Holdings Corp. and Home Construction Corp.
The group will undertake the dismantling, hauling, transfer and installation of four 12.94-MW and four 14.63-MW diesel generator sets, auxiliary equipment and powerhouse.
The first four diesel generator sets are expected to be operational by October 30, and the four units by end of December.
According to Perez, the Dingle Diesel Power Project II is expected to meet Panay's power demand in the next three years.
"If the economy continues to grow, we will look at hydro for additional base load supply or coal so long as it is clean coal," he said.
Joining Perez in Wednesday's ceremonies were Napocor President and CEO Rogelio Murga, Senior Vice President Pio Benavidez, Usec. Rene Villa, Gov. Niel Tupas Sr., Dingle Mayor Robin Solinap and Dumangas Mayor Rolando Distura.
Also present were Jorge Consunji, president and COO, D.M. Consunji Inc.; Eduardo Ramon Dimaano, president, Bendimil Construction and Development Corp.; Horleo Mendoza, VP and CEO, Home Construction Corp.; and Tirso Santillan Jr., EVP and CEO, Alsons Power Holdings Corp.
(March 4, 2004 issue)
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