Energy execs seek stronger, RE-friendly power grid

THE PHILIPPINE power industry must have the backing of a stronger transmission system to cope with the rapidly changing global energy outlook and the possibility of a single grid for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, experts said.

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) president and CEO Henry Sy Jr. said at the Philippine Electricity Summit 2015 in Mandaluyong City that there had been “extensive” discussions on RE and related issues between the grid system operator and Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), which operates the energy spot market.

Much has been said about the benefits of renewable energy, most especially in developing countries like the Philippines. However, for the country to reap the benefits of RE, it needs more investments in power plants, transmission facilities and other infrastructure.

Sy as well as other speakers said clear policies, strict regulation and commensurate incentives must be combined to effectively spur an RE boom in the country and support the need for more energy supply without sacrificing the environment.

“It is high time that industry players start the conversations going and work toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, and toward a successful and competitive energy industry that is at par with, if not better than Asean counterparts,” Sy said. “As the grid operator, NGCP remains committed to PEMC, and the whole energy industry, in pursuing our goal of providing stronger transmission for a stronger nation.”

Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada, in her speech, also highlighted Asean integration and RE growth among the opportunities that the Philippine energy sector must learn to take advantage of.

“As we grow as a nation, let us always be mindful of the goals we are trying to achieve and what we want to leave behind as our legacy to the country: a sustainable energy industry capable of withstanding any challenge and changes brought about by the dynamism of economies worldwide,” Monsada said.

NGCP, for its part, fully supports the initiatives of PEMC in encouraging dialogue on Asean economic integration into the power sector.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. Riza T. Olchondra