Marcos eyes renewables, diversity in PH energy options

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has met with a renewable energy developer to advance his intention to find other sources of energy in the country.

Marcos had a meeting with San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corporation (SIERDC) in Malacañang on Thursday, Feb. 1.

According to Malacañang SIERDC is involved in the design and construction of renewable energy plants such as solar and biomass power generation, as well as maintenance and operation of facilities, various inspections and consulting services.

It is currently developing over 440 megawatts of solar PV (photovoltaics) and hydro projects in Northern Luzon through a business venture that is expected to bring in ₱18 billion in investment and provide employment to roughly 4,500 workers.

The Palace, however, has yet to disclose the specific matters they discussed during the meeting.

Marcos has been saying he is bent on shifting to renewable energy and the country must start now because undertakings like this would take time to complete.

“Even the renewables take time, all the powerplant takes six, seven years to build but we will begin with,” he said in December last year.

“And I’m not concerned whether or not they will come online in my term, but I think that whenever they come online, we have to start now,” he added.

Present in the meeting were Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.