RE-ELECTIONIST Senator Cynthia Villar is backing coal plant in Negros.

She said that proponents of the coal fired power plant in San Carlos City should study new technology that will make coal more acceptable.

At a press conference at Victorias Milling Company, Villar said coal is attractive especially for poor countries like the Philippines because it is cheaper.

The senator was reacting to reports that SMC Global Power Corp. plans to put up a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the city.

The plan has been approved by the local officials of San Carlos City and has already the endorsement of the host Barangay.

Villar said there is “available new technology that makes coal clean.”

We can study this new technology so that coal will be less controversial, she added.

Villar pointed out that compared to renewable energy coal is admittedly cheaper.

The Provincial Board has been hearing the sides of both pro and anti-coal in the province relative to the move of Governor Alfredo Marañon to declare Negros Occidental coal-free. (TDE)