Energy companies, especially those involved with renewable energy (RE), welcomed the Department of Energy’s (DOE) moratorium on the construction of new coal-fired power plants.
AboitizPower expressed its support to the DOE’s bid to make the country’s energy mix more flexible, resilient and sustainable. Through its RE subsidiary Cleanergy, AboitizPower hopes to grow its renewables portfolio in the next decade.
AboitizPower President Emmanuel Rubio said that having the right balance of various energy sources was key to addressing the dilemma of energy security, environmental sustainability, and equity.
He added that the balanced strategy was at the core of his company’s business and would continue to fuel its growth in the coming years, particularly having a 50-50 mix between RE and thermal capacities by 2030.
AC Energy President and CEO John Eric Francia, meanwhile, commended the DOE’s move, calling it a bold and progressive policy. The Ayalas’ energy arm envisions generating 5,000 megawatts (MW) from RE projects in the Philippines and abroad by 2025.
San Miguel Corporation has dropped its plans to build coal plants following the DOE’s pronouncement, while Semirara Mining and Power Corporation said the moratorium would not affect its coal projects.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation said the moratorium would not affect its projects, as they employ high-efficiency, low-emission technologies. The company had also secured government permits for its 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant project in Atimonan, Quezon before the moratorium was announced.