Developing clean energy sources

The Department of Energy’s announcement that it will slow down on approving coal plant projects, while better than nothing, remains far short of the ideal to push for renewable energy sources in keeping with, or in going ahead of, First World nations whose excess consumption of fuel sources had contributed greatly toward the rising levels of pollution and the resulting climate change patterns experienced around the world recently.

According to Energy Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson, the government wants to achieve the balanced energy mix of one third coal, one third natural gas and one third renewable energy sources by 2030.

Ayson, who spoke on the issue during the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, admitted that the country cannot afford to approve more coal plant projects; but she spoke from the standpoint of the country’s  energy needs and not on the heavy impact of the continued dependence on coal on the environment.

But rather than emphasize on government’s commitment to put its money where its mouth is and invest in developing and implementing clean energy projects, Ayson said the government is looking for investors and by extension, the 21 APEC member economies to invest on clean energy projects in the country.

Again that is well and good, but rather than prioritize looking outside, it’s better for the national government to invest heavily on research, development and funding of clean energy sources.

The country isn’t lacking in talented personnel to conduct R and D on clean energy sources, and there are firms that not only sell solar panels but can also help in the education campaign for using clean energy and energy conservation in the barangay level.

Clean energy projects and so-called “green engineering” and eco-architecture are big business in First World countries whose governments give substantial incentives to companies that continually deliver products that not only promote  clean energy use but are also eco-friendly.

One such beneficiary is Canadian American inventor and businessman Elon Musk, who owns Tesla Motors and is responsible for developing high performance electric cars.

If they can do it abroad, why can’t Filipinos do it also? The answer is that the national government is too preoccupied with other concerns, mostly revolving around Imperial Manila, that they’re not investing resources and people into working on and developing eco-friendly, clean energy sources and projects.

With the elections less than a year away, the next administration should give the development of efficient, clean energy sources  priority.