Gatchalian pushes for more RE projects

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the development of more renewable energy (RE) projects in the country to help bring down power costs and ensure sufficient energy supply.

He noted that based on data from the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), renewable energy plants provide the cheapest generation cost when compared to coal-fired and gas-fired power plants.

Gatchalian said data showed that in July, coal plants had the highest generation cost at an average of P8.0978 per kilowatt hour (kWh) while gas-fired power plants had an average generation cost of P5.6636 per kWh and RE power plants had an average generation cost of only P4.7052 per kWh.

The same data also showed that RE plants only contributed 7.69% of the total power purchased by Meralco last month, he said.

“The data clearly shows that the development of renewable energy would provide the most benefit for our consumers as it entails the lowest generation cost,” Gatchalian said.

He had earlier filed Senate Bill No.157 or the Energy Transition Act, which provides for the creation of an Energy Transition Plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and remove dependence on imported fuel.

Gatchalian, however, said the energy transition would require diversification of the country’s current energy sources.

He also filed Senate Bill 485, An Act Enhancing The Implementation Of The Net Metering Program, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act 9513, or The Renewable Act Of 2008. This