PH projects in energy ‘Oscars’

Philippine companies and projects are competing at the Platts Global Energy Awards, dubbed “the Oscars of the energy industry.”

Among the finalists is Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), which was selected under the “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” category.

The CSR program of SMPC focuses on the company’s so-called 5E’s: “education and training,” “environmental stewardship,” “employment and livelihood,” “electrification and basic infrastructure” and “emergency preparedness.”

Also in the Platts race is power retailer Manila Electric Company (Meralco), which is competing for the “Breakthrough solution of the Year” award.

A Philippines-based project is competing in the “Engineering Project of the Year” category: the Shell Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project Phase 3 (MP3) off Palawan, with engineering work led by nominee Fluor Corp. of the United States. Incidentally, the Malampaya consortium is marking this year the 25th anniversary of Service Contract 38, which covers Malampaya, and formally inaugurating Phase 3 of the project.

Approximately 40 percent of the power for the main island of Luzon is generated by power plants using Malampaya gas.

The “Energy Company of the Year” will be selected from the entire list of finalists by the independent panel of judges including former regulators, past heads of major energy companies, leading academics and international energy experts.

Platts said on its website that the Global Energy Awards indicate the direction in which the industry is headed, where industry players are investing their resources.

“The Global Energy Awards gives the often obscure and publically vilified industry a bright spotlight, by recognizing true vision and leadership in a variety of segments, divisions and regions. Showcasing these monumental achievements among distinguished peers, exalts the excellence in energy,” Platts said.

Winners will be announced at the 2015 Platts Global Energy Awards black-tie dinner on Dec. 9 in New York City.