While every day should be a day to honor the planet, April 22 is specially marked for extra meaningful ways to celebrate our environmentally-diverse home. On Earth Day 2024, Glynda Bathan-Baterina shared five misconceptions that plague the subject of energy transition in the Philippines. The Deputy Executive Director of Clean Air Asia debunked these myths in an article on SunStar Cebu, and highlighted the many benefits Filipinos can reap from shifting to clean energy.
Myth 1: The Philippines Cannot Afford the Expensive Cost of Energy Transition
Reality: According to Bathan-Baterina, the belief that switching over to clean energy in the Philippines is too expensive is simply outdated. Thanks to significant global investments in renewables, the cost of clean energy has dramatically decreased. The integration of renewable energy since the turn of the century has cut electricity sector fuel costs worldwide by an incredible $520 billion. This means that clean energy is becoming increasingly economically viable.
In fact, with 1.7% of the country’s power generation coming from solar sources in the first half of 2022, the Philippines was able to save around Php 4.5 billion in fossil fuel costs.
At present, solar energy costs only Php 4 per kilowatt hour, compared to Php 9 per kWh from coal. And as technology improves, greater economies of scale are achieved, and financing costs for wind and solar power plants decrease, the costs of solar and other renewables are expected to continue to decline. This means that the shift to renewable energy in the Philippines is becoming more and more affordable.
It is also important to remember that transitioning to renewable energy is not just about cost savings, but also about improving our health and the health of our planet. The negative impacts of air pollution from coal-fired plants, especially on children, is a higher price to pay than simply moving over to cleaner energy alternatives.
So yes, there may be some initial costs involved in transitioning to renewables, but Filipinos can rest assured that the benefits will be worth it in the end.
Myth 2: The Variable Philippine Weather Makes Renewables an Unreliable Source of Energy
Reality: Bathan-Baterina explains that advances in technology and grid management have made renewables much more dependable, even in the face of variable weather conditions. By leveraging energy storage solutions, as well as diversifying our renewable energy sources (for example, using a combination solar, wind, and geothermal energy), Filipinos can ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for all. Plus, distributed renewable energy systems are perfect for an archipelago such as the Philippines as these do not require the transport of fuel to islands, and reduce the need for extra long transmission lines. Battery technology can provide quick backup power during disasters.
Myth 3: Renewables are Incapable of Meeting the Philippines’ Rising Demand for Energy
Reality: The Clean Air Asia Deputy Executive Director points out that recent energy supply issues, similar to what happened in Iloilo, show us the limitations of traditional energy sources. We have already learned that relying on coal is no guarantee against energy shortages and brownouts.
It only makes sense to decrease our over-reliance on fossil fuels by tapping the power of our more sustainable resources.
If we diversify our energy mix across the Philippines’ abundant resources in solar, wind, and geothermal energy (we have the third largest geothermal capacity in the world, after all), and if invest in renewable energy infrastructure, we can ensuring a stable and secure energy future for Filipinos.
Myth 4: The Philippine Economy Will Take a Hit From the Transition to Clean Energy
Reality: On the contrary, transitioning to renewables will bring about numerous economic benefits, including aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and jobs creation in the renewable energy sector (13.7 million people worldwide are already employed in the renewable energy sector as of 2022). Bathan-Baterina also says that Investing in clean energy provides a significant return of 3-8 times for every dollar spent.
There are many health benefits as well, such as fewer days lost to air pollution-related sickness, and lower healthcare costs. Transitioning away from coal-fired plants can positively impact children’s neurodevelopment. A study found that children living near coal-burning power plants had lower school competency scores compared to their peers without exposure to fly ash. By moving towards renewable energy, we can prioritize the health and well-being of our communities.
Myth 5: The Benefits of an Energy Transition Cannot Be Fairly Distributed Among All Filipinos
Reality: Bathan-Baterina notes that a just transition strategy that is carefully planned and implemented ensures that everyone benefits from this shift to clean energy, and not just the urban and wealthier populations. The move towards renewable energy can provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of location or economic status.
This is a chance to create new economic prospects in the renewable energy field across the nation. Moreover, decentralized renewable energy projects can provide reliable and cost-effective power to remote areas, enhancing energy accessibility for all Filipinos.
By providing individuals with the necessary knowledge and expertise, Bathan-Baterina believes that the transition to clean energy can create fresh economic possibilities and encourage social mobility, particularly for those who have been historically marginalized in the energy sector. Achieving a just energy transition is not only feasible but necessary for the Philippines. By embracing principles of inclusivity, equity, and community participation, the shift to clean energy can establish a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for all Filipinos. Adopting renewable energy in the Philippines offers a path to sustainable development, economic growth, and better public health. By debunking myths and educating people about the advantages of clean energy, we can promote a deeper understanding and acceptance of its benefits. Informed policy decisions can be made to break the country’s reliance on coal and enhance the health of all Filipinos.
Source: Tell it to SunStar: Common myths about clean energy transition in the Philippines