RENEWABLE ENERGY NECESSARY FOR ENERGY SECURITY - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, said that the government should fast track efforts to implement a national roadmap for renewable energy (RE) in order to take advantage of new, clean technology and not lag behind as the world is making moves to invest heavily in RE.

Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), welcomed news that the Department of Energy (DOE) has completed a national roadmap for RE, saying that the development of a strong RE foundation would ultimately secure the energy supply of the country and end fossil fuel dependency.

DOE Undersecretary Josefina Asirit said that the National Renewable Energy Plan (NREP) will outline the policy framework for RE under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Angara, author of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which encourages local entrepreneurs to go into the development of the country's vast renewable energy resources, stated that other countries are making aggressive moves to invest in RE, and that the country might be left behind in terms of development if the government is unable to encourage the local development of RE.

Angara says that COMSTE is backing the extensive use of electric, hybrid and other alternatives for the private sector as well as public transportation, instead of relying only on gas and diesel Internal Combustion (IC) engines.

COMSTE, which works with local and foreign RE developers, has been promoting the development of a local industry, which would not only address energy issues but would also spur job creation.

Angara said that COMSTE formed the Renewable Energy Research and Development Institute (RERDI), which would be a clearing house for RE developers and researchers and help in fostering the growth of the industry.

Local solar producer First Philec Corporation launched the Philippines first solar testing facility, marking the beginnings of RERDI. The testing facility will provide local and foreign solar manufacturers with a venue to test their panels in real world conditions.

The facility has already drawn attention from Taiwanese and Japanese companies interested in testing their panels in tropical conditions.