Bakit hindi lubusang mapakinabangan ang renewable energy sa Pilipinas? | Need To Know

Summary

The Philippines faces electricity supply challenges due to rising global temperatures and increased demand. Despite the Renewable Energy Law of 2008, the country's renewable energy utilization remains low with only 21% of energy sources being renewable. High operational costs of coal-fired plants and slow implementation of renewable energy initiatives contribute to the issue. Programs like the feed-in-tariff system and net-metering are in place to promote renewables, but challenges such as the competitive selection process, transmission delays, and the intermittency of solar and wind energy hinder their full potential. The Department of Energy and other agencies are working to improve the grid connection process to increase renewable energy capacity and ensure a more sustainable and affordable energy future.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines warned of potential power shortages during the summer of 2023 due to rising electricity demand.
• ⚡ The Department of Energy forecasted a peak demand in Luzon that could exceed 13,000 megawatts, which is 8.35% higher than the previous year's peak.
• 🔥 The use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro could help meet the growing electricity demand and make energy more affordable.
• 📜 Republic Act 9513, the Renewable Energy Law enacted in 2008, promotes the development and utilization of renewable energy but faces challenges in implementation.
• 💸 High operational costs of coal-fired power plants contribute to the high price of electricity, despite the existence of renewable energy laws.
• 📊 Only 21% of the Philippines' energy sources were renewable as of 2009, with coal-fired power plants increasing faster than renewable energy plants.
• 💡 The feed-in-tariff system, introduced in 2010, guarantees profits for renewable energy developers but has been criticized for potentially increasing consumer costs.
• 🏡 The net-metering program, implemented in 2013, allows users to generate and sell excess solar power but faces challenges in adoption due to initial high costs and bureaucratic hurdles.
• 🌳 The Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) and the Renewable Portfolio Standard Program (RPS) are mechanisms to promote renewable energy, with the latter requiring a minimum of 2.52% of power from renewable sources.
• ⏱️ Delays in the system impact study and grid connection process by the NGCP are significant barriers to the rapid deployment of renewable energy projects.

Q & A

What warning did the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines issue regarding power supply in summer 2023?

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines warned that the power supply might not be enough for the summer, indicating a depletion of reserve capacity and the possibility of brownouts or power interruptions.

What is the forecasted peak demand for electricity in Luzon towards the end of May, according to the Department of Energy?

The Department of Energy forecasts that the total peak demand from Luzon is expected to exceed 13,000 megawatts, which is 8.35% higher than the actual peak load of 12,133 megawatts in 2022.

How does the expected peak demand for the Visayas Grid compare to the previous year?

The peak demand for the Visayas Grid is expected to increase by 16.9% compared to the previous year.

What is the Renewable Energy Law in the Philippines, and when was it enacted?

Republic Act 9513, also known as the Renewable Energy Law, was enacted in 2008. It promotes the development, utilization, and commercialization of renewable energy resources in the Philippines.

Why is the price of electricity still high in the Philippines despite the Renewable Energy Law?

The price of electricity remains high due to the high operation cost of running coal-fired power plants, which have increased faster than renewable energy power plants, making coal a cheaper and more available option at the time.

What is the feed-in-tariff system, and how does it relate to renewable energy in the Philippines?

The feed-in-tariff system is a program under the Renewable Energy Law that guarantees developers a profit if they invest in renewable energy for 15 to 20 years. The cost of this system is divided among consumers, and it aims to encourage the use of renewable energy.

What is net-metering, and how does it benefit consumers in the Philippines?

Net-metering allows end users to become 'prosumers' by installing solar photovoltaic panels to meet their electricity needs and sell excess power to the grid. This program helps consumers save on their electricity bills and was implemented in the Philippines in 2013.

How has the capacity of coal-fired power plants in the Philippines changed from 2009 to 2021?

There has been a 9% average annual increase in the capacity of coal-fired power plants in the Philippines, surging from 4,277 megawatts in 2009 to 11,699 megawatts in 2021.

What is the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), and how does it promote renewable energy?

The Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) is a mechanism under the Renewable Energy Law where renewable energy developers can bid for a specific generation capacity set by the DOE. It aims to promote renewable energy as the primary source of energy through competitive selection of renewable energy output.

What challenges do renewable energy developers face in terms of connecting to the grid in the Philippines?

Renewable energy developers face challenges such as the slow process of transmitting electricity, delays in approvals by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and the need for system impact studies before connecting new energy sources to the transmission lines.

What is the Renewable Portfolio Standard Program (RPS), and how has its requirement changed over time?

The Renewable Portfolio Standard Program (RPS) requires distribution utilities to source a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources. Originally set at 1%, the DOE increased the RPS requirement to 2.52% effective in 2022.