Philippine government must abandon coal fired energy

Country should develop renewable energy sources to meet increasing power demand.

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice called on the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino to do away with coal-fired energy and go for renewable-energy sources to meet the country’s rising power demand.

The group consists of some 100 organizations, networks and alliances. It is preparing for a National Day of Action on April 22, in time for the celebration of Earth Day, for its “Collateral Damage Campaign” that opposes the building of more coal-fired power plants.

It said the campaign will help people realize the adverse impacts of coal as against environment-friendly sources such as thermal, wind, solar, hydro and even ocean current waves.

The group said that under the Philippine Energy Plan 2008-2030, 12 new coal plants are to be built that will produce a total of 4,285 megawatts, while six more are proposed that will have a total capacity of 692 MW.

It said the Department of Energy is pushing for an increase in coal production by 250%, as proven by the awarding of 76 coal operating contracts, 16 of which were awarded in February.