The document discusses the impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on renewable energy development. It summarizes that the disaster led to declining confidence in nuclear power and increased investment in renewables. However, some analysts argue renewables alone cannot meet base load energy needs. The document also discusses Philippines' energy situation, including the high cost of electricity, reconsideration of nuclear power, and efforts to develop renewables through feed-in tariffs while ensuring costs do not overburden consumers or exceed grid capacity. Regulators are working to determine appropriate feed-in tariff rates to incentivize renewables development without unduly increasing costs.
Ana Pueyo (IDS), Simon Bawakyillenuo (ISSER) and Helen Osiolo (KIPPRA) presentation for the International Energy Workshop, hosted by University College Cork, Ireland, 1-3 June 2016.
Courtney Hanson Nuclear Economics-20120630MATRRorg
Nuclear Economics presentation by Courney Hanson of Georgia Women's Action for New Directions (Georgia WAND) at the KNOW NUKES Y'ALL SUMMIT on June 30, 2012.
Despite the need to accelerate the response to climate change and energy sufficiency, nuclear energy use in the Philippines has always been associated with safety issues thus bringing the debate from purely scientific to outright political. Also it has to contend with the fossil fuel industry lobby, and renewable energy and environmental advocates. All available options for energy self-sufficiency must be carefully looked into by the government. The enactment of a national legislative framework covering the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation is a vital element in establishing the institutions and rules necessary for the safe management of these technologies.
With a population of almost 100 million people and annual economic growth averaging between 6 to 7%, the Philippines’ is anticipated to continue to have a robust energy demand. The Government’s refusal to subsidize power, heavy reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports, and added transmission cost because of the country’s archipelagic configuration have resulted in electricity prices being among the highest in the world. Thus, renewable energy projects present a viable business opportunity to resource developers.
The business community believes that the introduction of retail competition and open access is the logical move to bring the power industry to the next level and establish a competitive market structure. There is a need to further diversify the energy mix and the government is banking on renewable energy to wean the country from its dependence on fossil fuel. The government through the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (“RE Act”) sought to address the issues on the absence of a ready and guaranteed market for the output of RE power plants and the recovery of investments through electricity tariffs.
Ana Pueyo (IDS), Simon Bawakyillenuo (ISSER) and Helen Osiolo (KIPPRA) presentation for the International Energy Workshop, hosted by University College Cork, Ireland, 1-3 June 2016.
Courtney Hanson Nuclear Economics-20120630MATRRorg
Nuclear Economics presentation by Courney Hanson of Georgia Women's Action for New Directions (Georgia WAND) at the KNOW NUKES Y'ALL SUMMIT on June 30, 2012.
Despite the need to accelerate the response to climate change and energy sufficiency, nuclear energy use in the Philippines has always been associated with safety issues thus bringing the debate from purely scientific to outright political. Also it has to contend with the fossil fuel industry lobby, and renewable energy and environmental advocates. All available options for energy self-sufficiency must be carefully looked into by the government. The enactment of a national legislative framework covering the use of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation is a vital element in establishing the institutions and rules necessary for the safe management of these technologies.
With a population of almost 100 million people and annual economic growth averaging between 6 to 7%, the Philippines’ is anticipated to continue to have a robust energy demand. The Government’s refusal to subsidize power, heavy reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports, and added transmission cost because of the country’s archipelagic configuration have resulted in electricity prices being among the highest in the world. Thus, renewable energy projects present a viable business opportunity to resource developers.
The business community believes that the introduction of retail competition and open access is the logical move to bring the power industry to the next level and establish a competitive market structure. There is a need to further diversify the energy mix and the government is banking on renewable energy to wean the country from its dependence on fossil fuel. The government through the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (“RE Act”) sought to address the issues on the absence of a ready and guaranteed market for the output of RE power plants and the recovery of investments through electricity tariffs.
The Philippine geothermal industry is described as a mature sector operating in a developed private investment market. Geothermal investments in the country will be driven by the combination of a strong clean energy supply imperative, increasingly liberalized energy sector, achievable capacity targets and a relatively stable regulatory framework with appropriate pricing or fiscal incentives, and off-take mechanism. Some of the remaining undeveloped geothermal resources pose special technical challenges, requiring development or adaptation of “emerging technologies” such as binary-cycle generation, ground source heat pumps, and corrosion-resistant alloys. With an appropriately structured feed-in tariff rate that will provide guaranteed payment to investors through a universal charge, these acidic and lower enthalpy resources can be developed to generate electricity. In order to address the barriers related to costs and resource exploration risks faced by geothermal energy developers, the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines calls for the coverage under the FIT program of geothermal emerging technologies currently not commercially viable under existing market and pricing structures.
The first quarter of 2009 has ushered in a new era for the alternate energy market in the US. This has resulted in a visible increase in interest on alternate energy technologies. Most would think the attention to alternate energy has come just in time, especially with the rise in fossil fuel prices, stringent environmental regulations, and significant changes in preferences among consumers.
Uranium Market Overview – 2014 Q1
There is renewed optimism for uranium equities following a 3-year bear market sparked by the infamous Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. On Feb 25th the Japanese government, led by Shinzo Abe, reversed the previous governments’ decision to phase out nuclear energy. Instead, nuclear is set to regain its former stature as an integral component of Japan’s electricity generation; though no timetable for reactor restarts was given. The use of Nuclear remains a heated topic with the Japanese public, as recent polls show the majority of respondents continue to oppose reactor restarts and a large majority harbour some degree of concern over reactor safety. Therefore, restarting idled Japanese reactors is likely to be contested, indicating the industry-wide completion of the process will be gradual with reactors restarting in stages. Depending on the enforcement of new safety regulations and the degree of compromise from the Abe led government, a sizable contingent of reactors may never restart.
Il World Energy Focus, nuovo mensile online della WEC's community, una e-publication gratuita per essere sempre aggiornato sugli sviluppi del settore energetico. Il World Energy Focus contiene news, interviste esclusive e uno spazio dedicato agli eventi promossi dai singoli Comitati Nazionali.
Simon Reeve shares his predictions on the future energy mix, taking into consideration recent events such as Deepwater Horizon and Fukushima. Simon is joined by key energy professionals offering perspectives from different corners of the industry.
Simon is the Power Sector Director for the Lloyd's Register Group.
Renewable Energy Act of 2008: Hits and Misses for the Philippine Geothermal I...Fernando Penarroyo
The enactment of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (“RE Act”) and its implementing rules and regulations was expected to open the way for the entry of risk capital in geothermal exploration, development and utilization. The Department of Energy (“DOE”) admitted that progress on implementing support systems for renewable energy development in the power sector has been hobbled by delays. The Philippine government initiated major structural reforms in the geothermal industry sector by undertaking the privatisation of geothermal generating assets and divesting its interests in the state-owned geothermal development company. Like in any resource development project, the Philippine government needs to address issues related to the complicated approval and permitting process to reduce and expedite procedures particularly in foreign ownership, land use, environment and social acceptability regulations. Needless to say, streamlining the permit process by government regulators will have an impact on geothermal development, as shorter project periods would reduce uncertainty for policy and market dynamics when modelling economic returns. As geothermal projects are characterized by significant upfront capital investment for exploration, well drilling, and the installation of plant and equipment, the DOE must develop publicly available database protocols and tools for geothermal resource assessments to facilitate access by developers to risk capital. Government regulators must also develop guidelines for the inclusion of non-conventional and leading edge geothermal technologies in the setting up of feed-in tariff rates. Risk mitigation instruments like risk guarantee schemes and geologic risk insurance will also encourage investments in geothermal exploration.
PRESS RELEASE
Potential of Renewable Energy Outlined in Report by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Experts Underline Significant Future Role in Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Powering Sustainable Development
Over 160 Scenarios on the Potential of six Renewable Energy Technologies Reviewed by
Global Team of Technological Experts and Scientists
11
th
Session of Working Group III
The Youth’s Role in Reconciling Development and Environmental SustainabilityFernando Penarroyo
Environmental Rights: Legal and Institutional Framework; Development and Environment Protection;Energy Transition and Digital Transformation; Environment, Social, and Governance
Youth’s Role in Environmental Protection
An Educational Discussion on Dennis Uy's Acquisition of Malampaya Gas FieldFernando Penarroyo
Understand the economic importance of the Malampaya gas field to national and economic interest
Learn the nature of the the West Philippine Sea arbitration case and its implications to petroleum exploration and development
Be updated on the ongoing Senate Committee on Energy Investigation in Aid of Legislation of the Malampaya divestments
Analyze the possible political and legal ramifications of the Udenna acquisition of the Malampaya project
Lecture on Philippine mining and resources law including updates on the Philippine mining industry for the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences
EO 130 which was signed on 14 April 2021 lifted a 9-year ban on new mining agreements. The economic managers say that Philippine mineral resources have been vastly untapped and could bring significant benefits to the economy. The DENR expects to generate some Php21 billion from two phases of 100 new mining projects.
Technology has revolutionized the legal industry with its advancement. So, for progress, growth, and success in the future, every lawyer should prepare themselves and learn to adopt technology and become future-ready. If you are going to study law after you obtain your geology degree, the way to go is to specialize in a technology- or science-related field so that you can maximize your potential.
Lecture on the basics of project finance and risk management as part of the continuing professional development program of the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code Committee on the "Elements of Mining Feasibility Study"
Philippine Mining Taxation, Royalties and Government incentivesFernando Penarroyo
Lecture on the Philippine mining fiscal and taxation regime as part of the continuing professional development program of the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code Committee on the "Elements of Mining Feasibility Study"
Resource Assessment of the Daklan Geothermal Prospect, Benguet, PhilippinesFernando Penarroyo
Review and analyses of the Daklan geothermal prospect show and relatively modest sized geothermal resource based on Monte Carlo simulation of 30-35 MWe development for 25 years.
For many months, “Crash Landing On You” continues to be on Netflix’s Top 10 most watched list in the Philippines. Time Magazine also named it as one of the best K-dramas on Netflix. Though I was not a “virgin” in K-drama-bingeing since I first followed the period drama, “Jewel in the Palace” decades ago, I was not really into rom-coms and chick flicks. What piqued my interest was the engaging storyline set in the backdrop of the continuing military if not political conflict in the Korean peninsula. “Crash Landing On You” was inspired by an actual event in 2008 when a South Korean actress on a boat trip with her three friends, accidentally strayed into disputed waters between North and South Korea after getting lost in a fog.
Fresh out of law graduate school in 2002, I was still feeling my way into the professional mainstream. With so much time in my hands and still deciding on how I would restart my career, I thought that perhaps a part-time lecturing job will suit me at that time. It was an avenue for me to reintegrate myself to the legal profession after being out of the country for almost two years. The new millennium was just starting and it was a time for digital transition for a lot of profession. Legal was one of those rapidly adapting to the change.
My love affair with bossa nova actually blossomed when I studied in Europe in 1988. In December of that year, alone and far from family to spend Christmas with, my friends and I decided to spend our winter school break in London. While promenading along Oxford Street, I went inside Virgin Record Shop where I was awed by the wide array of records the likes of which I have not seen before. I bought a collection of vintage but digitally re-mastered bossa nova classics. Reading through the CD jacket, I marveled at how the origins of the music were intertwined with the political and cultural history of Brazil. On that day, I was introduced to the music of composer and arranger Antônio Carlos Jobim, guitarist João Gilberto, poet and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes, saxophonist Stan Getz, guitarist Luis Bonfá, and chanteuse Elis Regina.
COVID-19 and its impact on the world provided a harsh lesson and wake-up call for all of us. People lost their jobs, businesses and entire fortunes on account of a virus whose origins remain a mystery. We worked from home, home schooled our kids, stayed away from senior members of our families, canceled special celebrations and well-planned vacations, and restricted our mobilities because we were afraid to catch and spread the virus. But the one thing that we will never forget is loved ones and friends losing their battle to this horrible illness.
Infrastructure Investments to Return Philippine Economy to GrowthFernando Penarroyo
The Duterte administration is banking on its infrastructure development program to be the main driver of the country’s economic recovery as the Philippines is currently in economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Philippines has suffered from one of the region's worst COVID outbreaks and among the top 25 countries with infections and fatalities, and with the longest government-imposed lockdown. To the credit of the government, a number of infrastructure projects has seen completion despite the quarantine measures in the past months.
Digital technology is becoming a defining factor in the future of mining operations. Robotics and automation through drones, autonomous vehicles and remote-controlled operational systems will be rolled out more widely to enhance exploration efforts production. Cloud computing, information sharing and big data enable work to be performed remotely and more flexibly taking employees away from hazardous on-site events and improving health and safety conditions.
Last 05 April 2020, former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Fulgencio “Jun” Factoran, Jr. died from a lingering illness at the age of 76. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (cum laude) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines (valedictorian, 1967), and his Master of Laws degree from the Harvard Law School. He was a bar topnotcher and a member of the Sigma Rho fraternity, the same UP Law-based fraternity I belong to.
The Philippines is currently facing one of the greatest challenges to its economy with the implementation of containment measures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. The enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed by President Duterte was extended to May 15 on areas deemed still at high risk that includes the National Capital Region and nearby provinces in central and southern Luzon, considered the major business hubs of the country. There is no definite date in sight yet for the lifting of the lockdown and opening up the economy, as the government focuses on containing the virus and bringing the infection rate to lower levels. Premature lifting of the lockdown may have dire consequences as a second wave of infections could lead to a bigger toll on the economy.
1. After Fukushima,quo vadis renewable energy?
In the aftermath of the Japan nuclear crisis, investor confidence in
renewables rose as the public and investors recoil from nuclear energy.
Public perception of events was likely to taint the reputation of nuclear
power and significant investments in nuclear powerare expected to be
delayed or deferred.The tragedy comes on top of the oil price rise because of
industrialization in China and India, the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico,
unrest in the Middle East and North Africa - all of which has made
renewables more attractive.
But some doubted that the accident would benefit renewables. In her
analysis,Scotiabank economist Patricia Mohr suggested the"more lasting
impact of the incident at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power plant...will
be to trigger a re-examination of nuclear safety procedures and reactor
technologies around the world and to slow the development of nuclear
power.”Over the medium-term, Mohr anticipates some shift from nuclear
energy to imported LNG in Japan and natural gas-fired power generation in
the U.S. and parts of Europe,"Wind and solar power (alone) are not viable
choices for large-scale „base-load' electricity generation."
Japan's nuclear disaster will result in nuclear power as politically
unacceptable and intensify the global race for fossil fuelswith most future
energy research and development going into nuclear safety.European
governments are stepping up efforts to assess nuclear safety and agreeing in
principle to a series of "stress tests" for nuclear power stations.It is expected
that nuclear power may be hit most by rising safety and insurance costs
after Fukushima.
On 04 April 2011, the New York Times ran a story about the new
pragmatism that is influencing energy policy. The report cited Richard
Heinberg's theory of "peak everything," which suggests that the world is
running short of vital assets like clean water, carbon-free air, some minerals,
fish stocks and the cheap fossil fuels that have powered the world economy
and helped rein in the price of food. However, alternative energy sources, as
well as renewable energy, are more expensive and would force the world into
a more frugal future according to Heinberg.
The 2007-2035 Philippine Energy Plan of the Department of Energy (“DOE”)
urged the reconsideration of a nuclear power program amidst rising oil
prices. The Philippines has gained a new record, that of having the most
expensive electricity in Asia as reported by the Manila Electric Companyto
the power and energy committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (“PCCI”) on 03 February 2011. The study had shown that with
an average retail rate of electricity of 18.1 US cents per kilowatt/hour, the
Philippines has topped Japan whose rates were at 17.9 US cents per
kilowatt/hour.The high cost of electricity is because all costs from producing
power to distribution and taxes are passed on to consumers in the absence
of state subsidies.
DOE Secretary Rene Almendras earlier commissioned a study to assess the
benefits of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (“BNPP”). For Almendras, the
2. biggest issue has always been seismic considerations with lessons from the
disaster in Japan to be incorporated into any policy decision.While the
disaster would not stop the ongoing DOE technical study,Malacañang insists
it is standing pat on its decision to sideline the revival of the BNPP.
On the RE front, regulators grapple with commercial-viability issues
affecting the sector, as wind and solar remain prohibitively expensive to
produce. Environmental advocates and RE developers are pushing the
government to expedite the implementation of themandated regulations on
renewable portfolio standards (“RPS”) and feed-in tariff (“FiT) rates.The
developers are proposing an installation target totaling 1,482-MW from 442-
MMW biomass plants, 420-MW solar power plants, 340-MW for wind power
plants, 30-MW for ocean and 250-MW hydropower plants.
The DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau, however, could only
confirm a total of 790-megawatt of total generating capacity from 170-MW
run-of-river hydropower plants, 370-MW biomass, 20-MW solar photovoltaic
systems, 220-MW of wind generating capacity and 10-MW of ocean power
generating capacity. Powerplant investments targeted for RE projects could
only go as high as 830 MW for the next three years, as the National
Renewable Energy Board (“NREB”) set the cap to meet the national grid‟s
absorptive capacity.According to the NREB the approval of the 830-MW
installation targets was also conditional and could be adjusted depending on
the grid impact study to be submitted by the National Grid Corporation of
the Philippines.The grid must have enough buffers to absorb and cover the
sudden losses of power supply from RE sources, thus the NREB cannot
recommend installation targets that are beyond the grid‟s absorptive
capacity.
Power consumers may have to bear an additional charge of 11.38 centavos a
kilowatt-hour from the use of RE sources once the Energy Regulatory
Commission (“ERC”) approve the proposed FiT rates.The proposed FiT
allowance of 11.38 centavos a kWh is actually lower than the industry
proposal of 16.45 centavos. Once approved, the FiT-allowance will be
implemented by 2014 when all the expected RE facilities that would generate
a combined 830 MW would have started operations.
Meanwhile, the ERC is also mulling over the approval of FiT rates for each
RE source separately, some earlier than others, to allow developers to move
forward and get financial closing for their proposed power projects.The FiT
measure is the most awaited mechanism under the RE Law because it will
determine the economic and financial viability of RE projects.The FiTs intend
to mitigate demand-side risks in the face of inherent production variability
by ensuring purchase by all grid-connected consumers at a guaranteed long-
term fixed price.However, the PCCI urges government to ensure that the
costs of RE will not be too restrictive for consumers.Injecting RE into the
grid could jack up already high electricity prices and further reduce the
country‟s competitiveness. The PCCI suggested that by careful planning of
the country‟s RPS, the government should take into consideration the
possible impact of RE on both overall generation and transmission costs, as
well as the high initial cost of putting RE and the associated developmental
costs.
3. A high FiT rate will tie consumers for the duration of its implementation
while the consequence of low FiT rates is that the ERC can fine-tune the
pricing in subsequent years. The lack of takers should have no consequence
on power supplysince RE is not expected to be part of baseload. The cost of
RE technologies is expected to decline over time with more efficient
technologies still to emerge.Perhaps it would be prudent on the part of
regulators not to rushFiT rates or consumers may be facing another
backlash similar to the outcome of the take-or-pay provisions entered into
by the Philippine government with independent power producers in the early
1990s. In the meantime, environment advocates, RE developers and
consumer groups are eagerly anticipating how the government will address
the issue.
Fernando “Ronnie” Penarroyo is the Managing Partner of Puno and Penarroyo Law
Offices(www.punopenalaw.com). He acquired his Bachelor of Science in Geology
and Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines and Master of Laws from
the University of Melbourne. He specializes in Energy and Resources Law, Project
Finance and Business Development.