The former chief of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that solar energy as a source of electricity is suitable and ideal in off-grid provinces like Palawan, but it is costly on the part of the electric consumers.
Dr. Filemon Uriarte Jr. who is also an academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), made the reaction in reply to the query of a faculty member of Western Philippine University (WPU) about the proposed coal power plant in Narra town.
“Ang Palawan ay off-grid. You are not connected to any transmission grid connecting you to Luzon grid or Visayas grid. Dito ay talagang kayo lang,” Dr. Uriarte said.
He explained that the sentiments of the people that opposed the proposed coal power plant in Narra town is reasonable since Palawan is a pristine area and is considered as prime tourism destination.
“Dapat lang careful kayo sa inyong pagpili. Valid ang inyong opposition of setting up coal plant; dapat maging concerned kayo,” he said.
Dr. Uriarte said that solar power could be ideal for an off-grid province like Palawan, but solar power is expensive. He debunked claims that solar energy is very cheap. He said that there are companies to claimed that they can sell electricity from solar energy at only P3 per kilowatt, but this is far from reality.
“Pero in general technical and economic issue. Hindi totoo na mas mura ang solar. Solar is more expensive than coal. Kung solar, ay kailangang may storage and Lithium Batteries ay napakamahal,” Dr. Uriarte said.
Dr. Uriarte advised that the Palawan LGU or national government agencies should initiate a study on what renewable energy is appropriate for Palawan. After such study, these should be presented to the stakeholders so that they can decide wisely. “
Pag-aralan ang overall supply (ng Palawan) at ang entire life span of the project, including the VEVA or Value engineering and value analysis at kung ano ang impact nito sa consumers,” Dr. Uriarte advised.
He said that one of the concerns of the public on coal power plants are its emissions and other environmental hazards. He said that Germany has started phasing out its coal power plants.
He said that coal plants can utilize fluidized bed in order to lessen the impact of its wastes on the environment. Strict enforcement of environmental laws and monitoring play a vital role during its operation to ensure that conditions stipulated are properly complied with.
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