Of the 54 projects in the country endorsed for carbon emissions reduction (CER) trading under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), about 16 are energy-related ventures, according to the Department of Energy.
Based on data presented by DoE director Mario C. Marasigan at the Asia-Korea Renewable Energy Partnership Forum 2011, the Philippines is ranked number 9 when it comes to the scale of CDM-eligible projects.
KOTRA, with cooperation of DoE, organized ‘‘Asia-Korea Renewable Energy Partnership Forum 2011’’ on November 17 and 18 in Shangri-La, Makati. This is to step up their effort in facilitating business partnerships among RE stakeholders including not only 20 Korean and 40 Filipino firms but also 50 companies from other 13 Asian countries like Singapore, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.
The list, based on host parties, is topped by China and followed by India, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam then South Korea.
The projects lodged by DoE for CDM certification include the proposed CTRADE biogas-to-energy facility; Sumilao SURE biogas-to-energy project; Buluan 5.0-megawatt biomass co-generation power plant and waste water treatment project; the 8.0MW Cabulig River mini-hydroelectric project; and three bundled mini-hydro in Cantingas (Romblon); Hinubasan (Surigao del Norte); and Sevilla (Bohol).
The others are the Mariwasa Siam Ceramics biomass hot air generator and gasifier fuel switch project; Binga hydroelectric power plant rehabilitation project; methane recovery from advanced wastewater treatment system in an ethanol plant; and fuel switch project for process steam generation using renewable biomass residue for pan century surfactants.
The roster of projects similarly include the Ambuklao hydroelectric power plant rehabilitation project; Bataan 2020-12.5-MW power rice hull co-generation project; Teresa plant waste heat recovery project; Commonal Uddian mini-hydropower project; San Pedro landfill methane recovery and electricity generation; Pantabangan hydroelectric power plant refurbishment and upgrade project; and the Burgos wind project.
Marasigan explained that the projects could be endorsed for CDM trading if they can contribute to national energy goals; such as those on increasing energy self-sufficiency; wider access to reliable supply of electricity through the use of renewable energy; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction; and if these can help generate savings from energy efficiency programs or adoption of new or improved process/technology.
The prospects of having ‘clean energy projects’ set for CER credits also serve as enticement for project developers; on top of the other perks that may be offered via established government policies.
As of July 2011, Marasigan noted that the number of CDM applications already reached close to a hundred and they could yield potential 3.6 million CERs. Of these, 37 are energy-related projects.
The energy facilities already bestowed with CERs are the Northwind Bangui Bay project; the Quezon City controlled disposal facility biogas emissions reduction project; and Philippine Sinter Corporation waste heat recovery power generation project.
“RE Forum this November was a bigger gathering and provided more opportunities to all participating stakeholders,” said Director Johwan Choi of KOTRA as there were more participating decision-making executives from different parts of Asia who had have a rare chance to discuss their projects with possible business partners of the same interest in RE.
Delegation of most renowned Korean RE investors, developers, contractors, and suppliers participate in the event. Companies like Hanwha Corp., Hansol Techniques Co. Ltd., Daewoo International Corp., and Hyundai Corp. conducted one-on-one business meetings with other RE project owners/buyers from all 14 participating Asian countries. These business meetings are pre-arranged during registration.
Unlike the previous RE forum which KOTRA had organized where only RE project holders/developers were the participants, the forum included RE product owners/buyers.
At present, partnerships between Korean and Filipino RE companies include, SK Group with Korea West Power for Kanan Hydropower Project in Infanta, Quezon and Biomass project of Samar Government with Eco Frontier.
