Malacañang said it is keen on the use of “clean” coal technology, even as it pushed for the operation of a coal-fired power plant in Narra.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Cabinet Sec. Karlo B. Nograles said that President Rodrigo Duterte is in favor of “mixed” energy sources to be established in the province, citing the increasing demand for power supply as Palawan gains “tourism boost”.
However, Nograles pointed out that the coal-fired power plant project must ensure compliance with the regulation set-forth by the Department of Energy (DOE).
“President Duterte said na bilisan ‘yong renewable energy, but there has to be a balance. We also need clean coal technology because kailangan ng healthy mix ng sources,” he said.
Winston Arzaga, provincial information officer, in an earlier statement claimed that the coal-fired power plant set to be built in Narra is not at all “bad for the environment” and is “the most reliable and cost-efficient fuel source for greenfield power projects.”
“Sinasabi nila na marumi daw yung coal, pero hindi pa naman nila nababasa yung report ng San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sa Limay, Bataan. San Miguel runs a consistent emission testing na mas mababa pa sa nilalabas na usok ng diesel-fired power plants. These are good indicators for us kasi yung process nila, yun din naman yung process na gagawin doon sa Narra,” Arzaga said.
To date, information education campaigns (IEC) are being held by the opposing groups to further their side on the said controversial issue.
