Philippine energy security: Pushing ahead despite hurdles

n the global sphere, ensuring a “clean energy future” has become a major policy issue triggered by climate change. This has drawn world leaders into debates on policy challenges intersecting energy security, environmental protection, and affordable electricity.

The Philippine energy sector, for its part, is at its very critical transition—that while it wants to take the “innovation path” aggressively, it also has the country’s economic agenda to take care of.

This balancing act is one crucial step that Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has to give prime attention to first and foremost.

“We need to have the right formula so that we will achieve and maintain a secure, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity, while at the same time, be able to support the world’s vision for a cleaner earth. This, however, should consider what is best for us as a growing economy,” Cusi said.

To address the risks associated with climate change, experts are urging shift from fossil fuels to “cleaner energy sources” to satiate the world’s present and future energy needs.

But the reality is that oil, coal, and natural gas remain the most abundant energy sources today. While alternatives are being explored, their reliability and sustainability continue to be a major concern.

The major question now is: Are consumers willing to pay a higher price for cleaner energy?

Reckoned from forecasts under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) by NEDA, the other factor considered in the country’s energy planning is the projected population growth rate at 1.5 percent.

The energy chief said, “coal technology is here to stay,” primarily in meeting the system’s need for baseload power, at least until the period when the country is on to its “safe haven” toward its desired industrial path.