WWF-Philippines welcomes the decision of the Department of Energy (DOE), through Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, to declare a moratorium on endorsements for new coal power plants, following the periodic assessment of the Philippines’ energy requirements. The need for the country to shift to a more flexible power supply mix strengthens the demand and the opportunity to build a more sustainable power system, and accommodates the entry of new, cleaner, and indigenous sources of energy.

“We are glad to hear the Secretary’s announcement of a moratorium on new coal power plants endorsements, his reiteration of his commitment to promote renewable energy and the agency’s push for the transition to cleaner energy sources. These are indeed welcome, definitely timely and a good step towards the right direction of a sustainable low carbon pathway for the country. However, we know that there are still fossil-based plants in the pipeline, thus more needs to be done. We, therefore, encourage the DOE to continue putting in place the replacement of fossil-fuel energy with renewable energy, while fully implementing the Renewable Energy Law, its mechanisms, and the National Renewable Energy Plan. This would send a better signal to the market as we REpower the system towards a greener recovery”, says Atty. Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines’ Climate and Energy Programme Head.

The energy sector is the largest source of carbon emissions out of all our industries, having produced 54% of greenhouse gases in 2016. The Philippines has initially committed to reducing our emissions by 70% 2030. Even as early as 2014, in its study, Building Momentum for Low Carbon Development in the Philippines, WWF Philippines had recommended, among others, a moratorium on coal-fired plants to allow for more renewable energy into the energy and power generation mixes, establish decentralized power generation and distribution system, and implement stronger policies on renewable energy, and energy efficiency and conservation. Further, the organization continues to promote the decentralised multi-stakeholder local energy planning process, assisting local governments in determining the direction of development, with the aim of harnessing and supporting indigenous renewable energy projects. Civil society groups, coal-affected communities, and power consumers have already called for clean and affordable renewable energy. 

“What this pandemic has shown us is that there is only one path forward. We should plan for a more sustainable path towards recovery. This moratorium is consistent with what we have envisioned, the idea of building back better, and ensuring that our country’s post-pandemic scenario would reflect that of a green recovery”, says Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines’ Executive Director.

WWF-Philippines is looking forward to continuing working with the DOE in supporting the implementation of innovative policies, working on local energy planning and energy efficiency measures, and pushing for the transition from fossil fuel-based technology utilization to cleaner renewable energy sources.