Advancing The Renewable Energy Initiatives

The Department of Energy under the leadership of Secretary Raphael Lotilla has had commendable efforts along renewable energy, the latest of which is the $15 billion agreement with the United Arab Emirates’ Masdar to develop solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems, aiming to provide clean power by 2030. This project is consistent with the country’s objective of increasing the share of renewable energy in its power mix by 2040.
Secretary Lotilla, was a former professor of the University of the Philippines, Undersecretary at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and President and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM). With this impressive background, he can do a lot in leveraging both the government and the private sector to enable the country to accelerate its transition to renewable energy. One big challenge here is the high cost of renewable energy technologies. This is a welcome development, however, considering the impact we have had to suffer from the effects of climate change-something which has hit close to home for me and my family especially with the aftermath of typhoon Kristine.
Local communities can be empowered and supported to start small through solar rooftop programs with the help of subsidies and private sector financing that can encourage widespread adoption. Colleges and universities can help run Awareness Campaigns to educate the public about renewable energy benefits and encourage adoption at the household level.
We have long awaited to see efforts like this jointly undertaken by various sectors of society. The response to the challenge of climate change is a complex one that needs shared responsibility.
QUOTATION FOR THE WEEK:
“CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. IT IS A PROBLEM FOR OUR GENERATION.”
Barack Obama
FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:
“THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND EVERYTHING IN IT”
Psalm 24:1
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