DOE to Accelerate Energy Initiatives

ENERGIZING THE COUNTRY: Representing Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque stresses the importance of streamlining the processes of energy projects for faster economic growth during the 4th Energy Smart Philippines 2017 held on 26 October 2017 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City.

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday vowed to pursue efforts to streamline processing of energy projects and to promote sustainable utilization of energy during the 4th Energy Smart Philippines 2017 held at the Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City.

Speaking on behalf of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque stressed that the DOE is determined to implement Executive Order No. 30, which creates an Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) to facilitate development of priority energy projects.

“EICC is tasked to expedite the processing and release of permits and licenses to a maximum of 30 days for projects declared as Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS),” Ranque pointed out.

To be classified under EPNS, energy projects must have any of the following attributes: capital investment of at least P3.5 billion; significant contribution to the country’s economic development, significant impact on the environment or involve complex technical processes and engineering designs, and significant infrastructure requirements.

Ranque said the creation of EICC offered great potential for investors in the areas of power development, household electrification, energy efficiency and renewable energy (RE). Among these, Ranque said, RE may be attractive for investors in the energy sector to consider.

 “To promote sustainable development in the business of energy, the energy sector’s strategic direction places emphasis on promoting a low carbon future for the country, and the DOE is increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s installed capacity,” he pointed out.

Based on the RE roadmap, the DOE envisions around 20,000 megawatts of installed RE capacity by 2040. This will be supported with fiscal incentives and implementation of policy mechanisms, such as the Renewable Portfolio Standards, Green Energy Option and Net-Metering, among others.

During the same event, the DOE also reaffirmed its commitment to promote energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) as a way of life for Filipinos.

DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III pointed out that energy efficiency must be integrated starting from the resource development down to consumer utilization to ensure a low carbon future.

For his part, OIC for Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, Director Mario C. Marasigan, discussed the current Philippine power outlook, roadmap and off-grid and household energy access efforts of the DOE.

In accordance with DOE’s strategy on sustainable energy initiatives, OIC-Chief for DOE-Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Artemio Habitan stressed the need for compliance with the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for appliances, buildings and facilities.

The 4th Energy Smart Philippines 2017 is organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with the EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN), co-funded by the European Union and co-presented by ABB.

The DOE and European Union are collaborating on the Access to Sustainable Energy Program (ASEP), which aims to help achieve the Philippine government’s goal towards electrification and Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C).

The Shangri-la event was meant to support continuing efforts in building a sustainable energy future by providing an avenue for stakeholders to share knowledge and network with players in the energy industry.

OTHER PHOTOS:

DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT: Energy Asst. Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III gives an overview of the energy efficiency roadmap of the country during Session 2 of the 4th Energy Smart Philippines 2017 which tackled the plans and programs of the country for EE&C. He underscored the importance of EE&C throughout the energy supply chain. The 4th Energy Smart Philippines 2017 was held on 26 October 2017 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City to strengthen EU-PH partnership in promoting sustainable energy.

POWER  SITUATION UPDATE: Mario C. Marasigan, OIC for Electric Power Industry Management Bureau of the Energy Department talks about the Philippine power sector situation during Session 1: "Implementing the Power Sector Roadmap" of the 4th Energy Smart Philippines 2017 held on Thursday at the Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. With Marasigan were (L-R) Atty. Dennis Quintero, EPBN Energy Committee Co-Chair Ruth Owen and ABB Technical and Design Promotions Tristan Ocampo.

DOE to Finalize Natural Gas Policy

IN CONSULTATION: Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos listens to inputs for the proposed Philippine Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR) during the public consultation at the DOE Headquarters in Taguig City.

The Department of Energy (DOE) held on Friday (27 October 2017) the public consultation on the implementing guidelines of the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation (PNGR), a policy issuance that would govern the entry and development liquefied natural gas (LNG) regas terminal and its related facilities in the Philippines.

Standing on behalf of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said, “the PNGR will serve as the regulatory framework in the promotion of the Philippines as an LNG emerging market characterized by a liberalized/competitive environment and market-based pricing.” 
Usec. Marcos said, “Also, the implementation of the PNGR is hoped to pave the way in meeting the target of the Secretary to have the ground breaking for an LNG import facility by 2018.”

With the policy in place, he added, “the Philippines can readily start importing LNG to safeguard the anticipated drop in the supply of the Malampaya natural gas in 2022 coupled with the forthcoming termination of its concession by 2024.”

The recent public consultation drew clarifications on implementing guidelines concerning permit application, permitting and clearances of other government agencies, reporting requirements and import and supply requirements.

Additional topics on gas quality standards, import accreditation validity period, anti-flipping protection, the effect of Executive Order 30, the third party access (TPA), transmission and distribution of gas, aggregation, incentives and the gas mix were also discussed.

It was attended by 47 companies and institutions representing local and foreign stakeholders as well as prospective businesses interested in venturing into the natural gas industry in the country.
Previous public consultation focused on the regulatory framework covering the definition of terms, structure and operations of upstream, ownership, franchising, roles and responsibilities of the DOE and the Operator, competition and gas pricing policy, incentives, insurance, establishment of evaluation committee and other relevant laws.

The DOE encourages the public to engage in making the proposed policy more comprehensive by sending their comments and suggestions to doe.oimb.ngmd@gmail.com until 10 November 2017. A copy of the proposed policy is downloadable at the DOE official website (www.doe.gov.ph).

​​Adriano Moraes Not Underestimating Filipino Foe in Upcoming Title Defense

Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes may have just reclaimed the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Championship nearly three months ago, but he is already preparing for the first title defense of his second reign as the division’s kingpin.

The 29-year-old Brazilian champion is slated to put his coveted gold-plated strap on the line against Filipino prospect Danny “The King” Kingad in the co-main event of ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 10 November.

Moraes may be riding a wave of momentum after snapping archrival Kairat Akhmetov’s perfect 23-bout winning streak via unanimous decision and unifying the ONE Flyweight World Championship in a title unification rematch this past August, but he will not overlook Kingad as his Filipino foe is a legitimate threat to his second title reign.

“Danny Kingad is a great competitor and he has earned the highest level of my respect. If anything, there is no chance of me underestimating him. That would be unwise,” he stated.

A true warrior from the mountains of the Philippines and one of the top prospects to come out of Baguio City with an immaculate record of 5-0, Kingad is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills.

Due to his outstanding run in local promotions, ONE Championship noticed Kingad and gave him a spot on the undercard of ONE: Global Rivals in Manila in April 2016.

Kingad came out on top of his maiden ONE Championship assignment by scoring a first-round technical knockout of Malaysia’s Muhamad Haidar.

The young Baguio City native had an impressive follow-up to his ONE Championship debut by submitting compatriot Eugene Toquero with a first-round armbar in December 2016.

In his most recent trip to the ONE Championship cage, Kingad turned in a complete performance, putting his wide range of techniques on full display in a unanimous decision conquest of Malaysia’s Muhammad Aiman this past April.

“He is a young martial artist, undefeated, and a Wushu champion with good takedowns and good hands,” Moraes evaluated. “He is talented, and he has had good matches with the organization.”

Against Kingad, Moraes stressed that he will be preparing for the best version of his Filipino counterpart.

“I am preparing for the best Danny Kingad possible, and that is the only way I can prepare to be at my best. I believe this match is going to be a battle between two top-notch martial artists. It is going to be a battle from start to finish,” he expressed.

Moraes is eager to remain as the organization’s 61.2-kilogram titleholder and prove that he is the best flyweight on the planet at the expense of an undefeated standout like Kingad.

“It will be my first time in Manila. I am very excited to compete against Danny Kingad. Deep in my heart, I know that I am the best out there. I am here to prove it. I feel great to defend my belt in Manila, expecting to hear the words, ‘And still,’ once again,” he ended.

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