NGO reacts to Duterte statement that coal to be used for 30 more years, solar still not feasible
MANILA, 14 July 2020 – In a recorded speech aired this morning, President Rodrigo Duterte told military troops in Jolo yesterday he was “ready to open the borders” for trade, including for “big time coal.” He added that “coal will be used for the next 30 years” and solar technology is still unsustainable.Reacting to this statement, Renato Redentor Constantino, executive director of the Manila-based climate and energy policy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, said:“Importing and burning more coal would not help the Philippines build back better. Coal is a losing proposition. In the country, new coal is a [...]
Consumers should not pay the price for risky coal deals
Sara Jane Ahmed Note: This commentary originally appeared in Business World. The rapid drop in the cost of renewable energy has opened new possibilities in energy systems around the world, including the Philippines. Coal has become toxic, both in terms of its high cost to consumers and the negative financial consequences for banks and investors. In India, China, Malaysia, and, most recently, Vietnam, a trend of cancellations and delays involving new coal plants has emerged. Vietnam is witnessing a rapid adoption of renewable energy while cumbersome coal power producers struggle to remain competitive. Here in the Philippines, the Panay Energy [...]