RENEWABLE ENERGY PACT. Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla (2nd from left) and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (3rd from left) sign a memorandum of agreement on renewable energy at the DOE Office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on April 3, 2024. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday (April 4) said the research and development partnership will hasten the development of renewable energy in the country. (Photo courtesy of DOE)
MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday expressed optimism that the research and development partnership recently signed by the Departments of Energy (DOE) and Science and Technology to use the Renewable Energy Trust Fund will hasten the development of renewable energy in the country.
"Magandang development yan dahil ang bansa natin, isa sa pinakamayaman pagdating sa renewable energy. Meron tayong (That is a good development because our country is one of the richest when it comes to renewable energy. We have) solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass," Gatchalian said during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.
"Ang importante lang ay ma-develop nating lahat yan at magandang hakbang yan na merong science-based recommendation para ma-develop natin ang renewable energy sa bansa natin (It is important that we can develop all of these renewable energy source, and that is a good step to have a science-based recommendation for us to develop our renewable energy in the country)," he added.
DOE El Niño task force
Meanwhile, Gatchalian called on the DOE to form an El Niño task force amid the threat of the weather phenomenon to the energy sector.
He said DOE needs to consult with the power producers, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and power utilities to defer scheduled maintenance in the next two months.
He said the scorching heat would result in higher energy consumption by consumers, leading to brownout due to a smaller operating margin.
Gatchalian said the entire country is under a "comfortable" power situation if the production is at around 1,200 megawatts.
However, he noted that the current power supply is at less than 500 megawatts, which is alarming.
With this, he said the NGCP should ensure the availability of its ancillary reserve, as well as to maximize DOE's Interruptible Load Program, which calls on large power consumers to “de-load” by using their own generator sets, or by reducing their operations. (PNA)
