DOE to SBMA: Proposed 600-MW coal plant crucial

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) has advised the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) that any postponement to the proposed 600-megawatt coal plant inside the freeport may lead to massive blackouts in Luzon within the next five years.

In an interview, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said he discussed this with SBMA administrator Roberto Garcia and emphasized the vital need for increased capacity in the Luzon power grid.

“I met with them to explain how important it is to build another power plant. We really cannot afford not to have a new power plant by 2015,” he said.

The SBMA is opposed to the construction of the coal plant due to carbon dioxide emissions that may adversely affect the health of communities and the environment in Subic.

Almendras, however, the latest technology can mitigate carbon dioxide emissions as exemplified by the 660-MW Masinloc coal plant.

“The question of whether it will be polluting or not has already been answered. Masinloc is one of the cleanest coal plants in the world,” he said.

Almendras said the Aquino administration is committed to provide energy security in the next five years.

The Subic coal plant, to be developed by Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., will use two single high-efficiency 300-MW units for a total net generating capacity of 600 MW. It is estimated to cost $1.28 billion.

RP Energy is a consortium composed of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Power Generation Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp.