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ENVIRONMENT
Photo from Power Philippines
DOE promotes use of renewable energy
by Alyssa Gaile Castañares
Posted on December 7, 2020
Sustainable and cheap sources of energy can be found in the country’s natural resources, Department of Energy (DOE) chief of Technical Services and Management Division said in an interview with DZXL 558, December 4.
In line with the celebration of World Conservation Energy Month, DOE Chief of Technical Services Management Division Jhun Escobar tackled the importance of renewable energy during DZXL 558‘s Ang Tinig Klima segment.
Escobar stated that renewable energy is a clean and natural source of energy that can be generated from the Philippines’ natural resources.
He said that renewable energy can be found anywhere in the Philippines and is being utilized by the government and private sectors.
“Nagkalat po sa buong Pilipinas itong renewable energy natin at ito po ay hina-harness ng ating mga private sectors at ng ating pamahalaan,” Escobar stated.
Escobar enumerated sources of renewable energy such as solar power which can be generated from the sun’s heat energy, hydropower energy from bodies of water and dams, geothermal energy from underground volcanoes, wind energy from windmills, and biomass which can be generated from agricultural residues.
He also emphasized that renewable energy can make the cost of electricity much cheaper and it can also lessen carbon emissions that contribute to worsening effects of climate change.
“Sa paggamit po natin ng renewable energy resources, maiiwasan po natin ang pag-iimport ng mga imported fuel sites. Mas mapapanatili nating mas mura ang produce ng kuryente,” Escobar said.
He encouraged electricity consumers to use solar panels in their homes as it will not only lessen their electricity bill but will also help the environment.
According to Dr. Glen Banaguas, founder and Executive Director of Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute, renewable energy can be a tool to fight climate change as it reduces carbon footprint.
“It [renewable energy] will really reduce your consumption and at the same time makakatulong ka pa to combat climate change kasi you are reducing your carbon footprint, you are reducing your carbon dioxide equivalence if you are using renewable energy material and equipment,” Banaguas explained.
Banaguas and Escobar cautioned that although solar panels are more accessible nowadays, consumers should let licensed technicians install their solar panels.
Consumers should also comply with the requirements before purchasing and installing solar panels. #