Philippines Earns Top Marks for Energy Efficiency, but Power Costs Run High

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Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The Philippines' Department of Energy (DOE) reports that investment in its sector will be $1.3 billion for 2013, $6.9 billion for 2014, $6.3 billion for 2015, and $4.5 billion for 2016. These project investments are part of the aim to provide national energy security. The DOE is seeking to "climate-proof" the country's energy system and promote a low-carbon future, which will include the rollout of electric vehicles and the massive use of alternative fuels through the adoption of smart technologies.

In 2013, the DOE is planning to provide electricity access to 9,680 households and 4,982 villages. It is also looking to deploy 200 compressed natural gas-powered buses and 20,000 electric tricycles.

Other projects include the open access and retail competition, which is expected to begin full commercial operations at the end of June. The Agus and Pulangi hydropower complex in Mindanao will be rehabilitated, and the interim Mindanao electricity market will allow power generators to sell their excess power.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that the Philippines is now ranked as one of the five most energy-efficient countries in Asia. The country has one of the largest number of energy-efficient projects that the ADB is financing. The bank has funded $31 million via loans to the government's Philippine Energy Efficiency project, and the government chipped in with $15.4 million.

The downside of all this commendable striving for energy efficiency is that energy costs in the country are among the highest in the region.

For related information, see February 11, 2013, article - Philippine Companies Build Dedicated Power Plants in Tight Grid Conditions.

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