DOE pushing for ‘aggressive’ fuel transition plan
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Energy (DOE) seeks to launch an “aggressive” fuel transition plan meant to reduce the Philippines’ reliance on imported oil.
As the Philippines’ exposure to oil volatility was highlighted amid the Middle East war, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the proposed plan would focus on the transportation sector as it heavily depends on imported petroleum products.
READ: Marcos to DOE: Secure more fuel sources while PH has 45-day supply
According to government data, 97 percent of liquid petroleum products—such as diesel, gasoline and kerosene—are imported from Asian refineries.
“With one sector having one dominant fuel source, this concentration is exactly where the country’s vulnerability lies,” Garin said in a speech at the Management Association of the Philippines’ general membership meeting on Wednesday.
The DOE aims to raise EV adoption to 60 percent by 2040 and 80 percent by 2050.
READ: More EV charging projects pushed
In addition, the target exceeds the current Philippine Energy Plan’s EV goals of 50 percent by 2040 and 60 percent by 2050.
The DOE is also looking at increasing the biodiesel blend to 50 percent, as well as sustainable aviation fuels.
The transport sector currently accounts for about 67 percent of the total oil demand, data from the DOE showed.
“The diversification of our energy sources is one of the actions that will sustain and ensure energy security. We are keen on developing our indigenous oil, gas and coal resources,” Garin said. /pai INQ
