The OurEnergy2030 coalition, the next-generation coalition for an inclusive and clean energy transition in the Philippines, held a web broadcast in celebration of World Environment Day on Friday, June 5, 2020.
The broadcast, which was streamed on the OurEnergy2030 Facebook page and reached 12,000 social media users, showcased the leadership and cooperation of key stakeholders in the country’s energy transition set against the backdrop of the economic recovery underway, following the country-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The show featured energy industry leaders and partners who talked about how an inclusive and responsive energy transition within the decade is the Philippines’ biggest economic opportunity. The event also framed an urgent, massive, and sustained shift to renewable energy as a key instrument for community resilience and an engine for massive job creation.
OurEnergy2030 convenor Marlon Apañada stated, “As a coalition, we aim to engage business and government leaders to, together, take the lead in navigating the Philippines’ bold journey of justly and effectively transitioning our energy future to one that is decarbonised, digitalised, and decentralised.”
The online event offered a detailed first look into Ayala Corporation’s recent commitment to divest from fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by 2030. AC Energy President and CEO Eric Francia announced that the company doubled its renewables portfolio from 1,000 MW in 2016 to 2,000 MW today, which is a remarkable jump in five years.
“Our commitment to renewables and decarbonisation is aligned with the Philippine government’s goal of reaching 30 per cent of renewables output by 2030. With this ambitious goal, we estimate that the Philippines will need to build almost 20,000 MW of new renewables capacity by 2030. AC energy is fully committed, and our team is very eager to make this dream a reality,” Francia said. AC Energy also announced its plans to be Southeast Asia’ biggest publicly-listed renewable energy company.
Dr. Antonio La Viña, environment and human rights lawyer and former global climate negotiator for the Philippine government, also highlighted the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy within the decade. “It is very important to accelerate to work on energy transition, particularly now that we have the opportunity to do the right thing given the challenges of the pandemic,” said La Viña, who also chairs a national council aiming towards energy independence. “A faster shift to renewables and the idea of energy independence are two anchors for a prosperous and sustainable economy,” he added.
Other panelists were representatives from the coalition anchor partners. Paeng Lopez of the NGO Healthcare Without Harm, touched on the connection of the pandemic and the climate crisis, while Yla Para of the Manila Observatory discussed the coalition’s 3Ds: Decarbonisation, Decentralisation, and Digitalisation.
Brenda Valerio of the global startup incubator New Energy Nexus emphasised why governments should accelerate the transition from oil despite its low price and Jamesun Bejarin, President of Ateneo De Manila’s student body – Ateneo Sangguanian – highlighted the importance of youth participation in the advocacy for a sustainable energy future.
The event also highlighted public disclosures from the Aboitiz Group and San Miguel Corporation on their commitments to align with global climate goals and to make the Philippines’ energy infrastructure more resilient.
Launched in Manila in February 2020, OurEnergy2030 believes that the youth play a critical role in shaping the future of energy sustainability because they bring fresh and diverse perspectives that foster innovation and cooperation in their communities. Within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the coalition continues to build partnerships to address global crises like health pandemics and climate change, emphasising that urgent and short-term needs must align with forward-looking development objectives.##
Contact Person: Marlon Apañada Convenor, OurEnergy2030 www.OurEnergy2030.org
Email: marlon.apanada@gmail.com
Mobile: +639988583327
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