Page 36 - centre-justtransitionframeworkinPH.cdr

In short, the Philippine Just Transition process
as of this moment remains energy-blind. But
why did the process take a back seat when in
fact the power industry is supposed to be one of
the primary sectors for reducing carbon
emissions and saving the communities from
perpetual health hazards?

There is only one explanation for this seeming restraint — and that is
the business-as-usual approach adopted by leaders in the power
sector.

First, despite having a renewable energy (RE) development plan, the
DoE continues to keep its policy of “technology neutrality”, which
means that the country's energy security today and in the future
depends on which technology can meet our base load and peak load
requirements at the least cost. This policy places coal as top bidder.

Second, there is a plan for producing 15,000 to 20,000 MW of RE
capacities by 2040, but 70% of the country's power requirements
will still be supplied by coal and natural gas.

Third, no decommissioning or phase out plan for existing coal power
plants and mines have been made and therefore there is no red light
to beat in the horizon.

Fourth, funding streams for power projects are mostly available for
big players.

Germany's successful experience in Just Energy Transition, as
explained by Dr. Georg Maue during the 2019 RE Congress co-
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organized by the CentRE, was a result of strong government push on
the one hand, and the response of RE developers in the market, and
the broad public support for that transition policy on the other.

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