Cabrera proposes solar power for CH offices

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera had proposed that the city will invest millions of pesos for the solar energy power of the City Hall offices.

Cabrera believes that with the city government setting the example, major investors will be encouraged to invest in renewable energy plants in the city.

Mayor Michael Rama however said the suggestion should be studied carefully because putting up a renewable energy plant is very costly.

During a press conference yesterday in relation to the forthcoming Renewable Energy Summit on March 7 and 8 at the SM City Mall, Cabrera said she will propose that the city will purchase solar panels and batteries for the City Hall solar project.

Cabrera admitted that her suggestion still needs a thorough study to know the present power consumption of the City Hall offices everyday to determine the volume of solar panels to be purchased.

The Mayor said one of the problems in adopting the solar renewable power is the space requirement where to install the solar panels.

Pangan-an Islet in Lapu-Lapu City is using the solar power granted to them by the Belgian government.

Felix Taguam of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Board of Trustees believes that some of their members are willing to invest for a renewable energy, but they are still waiting for the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Renewable Energy Law.

Environmentalist Gloria Estenzo-Ramos said aside from the solar energy, other kinds of renewable energy that can be adopted in Cebu include wind-based power and biomass.

Vince Cinches of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center said that there was a study conducted by the Department of Energy which found the possibility of a wind-based power in Carmen and Oslob.

The DOE said that harnessing and utilization of renewable energy comprise a critical component of the government’s strategy to provide energy supply for the country. — (FREEMAN)