Energy Think Tank Debuts ‘Watts Up’ University Roadshow to Tackle PH Energy Challenges

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In line with the pressing energy issues in the country, the Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP) has recently launched the first run of its educational roadshow 'Watts Up: CERP Sparks Energy Dialogue', at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD). The event facilitated meaningful dialogue to empower students to shape the future of energy in the country, especially amidst prevalent yellow and red alerts.

The Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP) launched the first run of its educational roadshow 'Watts Up: CERP Sparks Energy Dialogue' last June 03, 2024, at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD). The event facilitated meaningful dialogue on pressing energy issues to empower students to shape the future of energy in the country, especially amidst prevalent yellow and red alerts.

The Department of Energy National Total Electrification Roadmap 2023-2032 report reveals that 8.9 percent of Filipino households, which is equivalent to 2.5 million households, have no access to electricity. Moreover, the Philippines grapples with one of the most expensive power rates in the ASEAN region according to a 2020 study. Atty. Noel Baga, co-convenor of CERP, emphasized the need to prioritize the development of indigenous energy sources, provide energy subsidies to consumers, and allow foreign participation in the energy sector to alleviate the high electricity prices burdening Filipino households.

"Almost 60% of our power supply is from coal, and about 81% of this coal is imported. This is both more costly and less secure," Atty. Baga said. “We have many bills currently pending in the Senate and House to encourage more local and foreign investments in the energy sector, and we must continue to diversify our energy sources,” he added.

Meanwhile, CERP co-convenor and UPD Head of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE) in the Department of Chemical Engineering Dr. Joey Ocon, illustrated how different energy sources have varying degrees of affordability, sustainability, reliability, and modernity through the “unfortunate tetrahedron” framework, whereby not all factors can be positively reached by a single energy source.

“Balancing the tradeoffs between conventional, renewable, and nuclear energy sources is crucial,” emphasized Dr. Ocon. “There is no silver bullet to developing a sustainable and reliable energy strategy. Each option has its pros and cons,” he noted.

Dr. Ocon also shared that the Philippines scores low in self-sufficiency due to heavy dependence on imported sources. He recommends strictly implementing energy laws, boosting generation capacity, enhancing transmission infrastructure, and streamlining distribution networks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7.

During the Q&A, Atty. Noel Baga and Dr. Joey Ocon further discussed the importance of increasing power supply and streamlining grid interconnections to respond to yellow and red alerts. Atty. Baga underscored the necessity of required reserve power supplies for each sub-region and attracting more investors to the power generation sector.

The discussion then shifted to the Philippines' role in combating climate change. A student asked, "Would transitioning to fully renewable energy in the Philippines significantly mitigate climate change?" Dr. Ocon responded, "Not significantly. We contribute less than 1% of global emissions despite having 1.4% of the world's population. Yet, as a vulnerable archipelago, we must still lead by example.”

Another student inquired about expanding coal and gas power plants. Dr. Ocon explained, "Globally, the impact would be minimal. But our decisions can't be based solely on global metrics. It’s crucial to balance our country's unique needs for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy."

The UPD roadshow marks the beginning of CERP's efforts to engage Filipino youth in the current energy crisis. CERP is extending this initiative to other universities to broaden student engagement. Through initiatives like these and the dissemination of well-researched findings, CERP aims to urge our leaders to address pressing energy issues and take decisive action.

The Center for Energy Research and Policy is a think tank dedicated to developing a resilient energy landscape for the Philippines, with Atty. Noel M. Baga and Dr. Joey D. Ocon as its convenors. Anchored in inclusivity, CERP unites experts and advocates to foster participatory governance and provides actionable insights on energy development, thereby ensuring efficient, affordable, and sustainable power for the country.

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