Jun 30 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Euan Paulo C. Anonuevo The Manila Times, Philippines

The Philippines is pushing for clean coal technologies such as "bridge fuel" to help avert a power crisis in the near future.

Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said the government is supporting coal projects that use new technologies that will eliminate nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxide and other particulates that pollute the environment.

"I understand that this technology is widely used in many countries like Korea, Germany, US and Japan. Until such time that the renewables will come in and kick in and really be available on a commercial basis, then we still have to use coal in its cleanest state-of-the-art form--clean coal technology," he said.

A number of groups are opposed to the use of coal-fired power plants because of their deleterious effects on the environment. Aside from this, tight supply for the commodity, which is seen as a cheaper alternative to oil, has caused prices to jack up to more than a third so far this year.

"If you want to use coal as a bridge fuel, then you suffer the cost, which is not a perfect technology as there is still emission of carbon dioxide. But we're working towards promoting clean coal technology that eliminates the emission of SoX, NoX and particulates," Reyes said.

Among the coal plants soon to be put up in the country are the 100-megawatt Semirara project in Concepcion, Iloilo; the 200-megawatt Kamanga power plant of Conal Holdings Corp. in Sarangani, Mindanao; and the 200-megawatt Naga power plant of Korea Electric Power Co. and Salcon Power Corp.

The completion of these plants, along with the growing number of generators and manufacturers shifting to coal from bunker or diesel, is seen to further boost demand for both local and imported coal.

"We are well aware that the projections for power for the next three to four years is such that we are seeing a critical supply situation, particularly in the Leyte, Cebu, Negros and Panay grid. We need the power, and we consider coal will continue to supply that power," Reyes said.

Coal-fired power plants currently account for 30 percent of the Luzon power generation mix and 25 percent for the entire country.

Data from the wholesale electricity spot market showed that coal accounted for 31.8 percent of available energy in January, 29.9 percent in February, 21.3 percent in March, 29.3 percent in April and 27.8 percent in May.

Despite its full backing for coal projects, the energy department is still supportive of developing renewable energy for power.

"We have no quarrel with that. However, we also could not say that we get rid of all the coal-fired power plants--as it could result in power shortages. You cannot take an option that has no cost. You want to not use coal now, then we will have to suffer the consequences of power shortages," he said.