Push for renewable energy should be balanced with pressing needs of people

Given the deleterious effects of climate change to our nation, this administration is pushing for what it called “critical infrastructure that will focus on three action points, lower electricity rates, ensure a reliable water supply and lastly enhance flood protection”.

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), composed of key business leaders, formed no less by PBBM, advises government on key issues in the economy. PSAC also recommended that government reevaluate the existing Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 crafted by the Department of Energy which ensures the availability of only affordable and reliable energy but also clean power. PSAC says priority should be given to cheaper electricity prices, with self-sufficiency as support strategy.

“Government must not lose sight of the importance of sustainability and the country’s international commitment to increase the share of renewable energy in the power mix”. PSAC says. “The desire to bring down electricity prices is imperative, but it should not come at the cost of destroying the environment”.

The council’s Infrastructure Sector Group (ISG) presented to Mr. Marcos data showing that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is prioritizing and implementing flood control projects, particularly along the 88 rivers identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) but proposes its multi-use, not only of flood control mitigation but also additional water supply and hydropower generation. PSAC proposed that different government agencies involved should address these issues simultaneously. Here, PSAC says “clean power” can have a tremendous impact on water security and “mitigating flooding”.

While the recommendations of PSAC-ISG are well intended, I cannot see the logic of how clean power can lessen floods or even provide water security. Yes, I am always in favor of renewable energy but rushing all out today with its high costs to me, is suicide.

Even if the country attains Zero Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions overnight, the effects of climate change will not stop or lessen. Typhoons, floods, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis will still happen. This is because our nation contributes only about half of 1 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

By heavily investing on renewable energy today will not only initially increase electricity prices, hurt business and the economy, andople in the end push more of our countrymen into poverty. The people really need their government today to provide more access to clean water, social services, education, healthcare and adaptation to climate change calamities such as more frequent, stronger and devastating typhoons.

Yes , renewable energy will become cheaper over time. And clearly, there is a big danger of rushing too quickly into it. The country demands more electricity and also reliable supply. And this requires the need to balance of both renewable energy and non-renewable energy sources to meet this increasing demand that will support national development – which is what the PSAC wants to spur.

However, it must be emphasized that the nation should not be held to the same timeline in shifting to more RE in its energy mix – we need more time to devote our resources to other development.