Cusi wants ‘diversified’ energy sources

The Philippines cannot rely completely on renewable energy sources to provide its electricity requirements at this point in the country’s level of economic development, even if it committed last year to cut its carbon emissions by a hefty 70 percent by 2030.

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, the country will implement an energy policy that meets its specific economic requirements.

“We will chart our own course insofar as energy is concerned to ensure energy supply security, considering that developing countries like the Philippines have low carbon emissions. President Duterte is correct in saying that the country is still in the process of industrialization. We must, therefore, use whatever energy resources are available and affordable for power generation,” the energy chief explained on Tuesday.

“We need diversified energy sources to support our growing economy. The Department of Energy is formulating a strategic fuel policy mix to propel the country’s growing economy. We need to build more baseload power plants while also aggressively pushing for clean energy,” Cusi stressed.

Cusi issued the statement in reaction to recent pronouncements by President Duterte that his administration will would not honor the historic Paris Agreement on climate change that was adopted by 196 countries that participated in the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held in France.

Duterte went on to say that the convenant was “stupid” and “absurd” and was something that would set back the country’s economic development. Under this agreement, the Philippines has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent up to 2030.

“While we signed the Paris agreement last year committing ourselves to limit our carbon emissions, we cannot ignore the fact that our level of economic development at this point does not allow us to rely completely on renewable energy sources or clean energy,” Cusi said.

“The DOE stands firm in promoting energy efficiency and conservation to complement its thrust for clean energy development following the country’s intended nationally determined contributions on climate change mitigation efforts,” he further noted.

Cusi added: “We will continue to adhere to internationally accepted environmental standards in our energy use. The DOE is working with the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change Commission to develop a balanced and sustainable energy policy framework.”