DOE takes new approach on power plant approval by Myrna Velasco...

DOE takes new approach on power plant approval

by Myrna Velasco
July 28, 2014​

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The Department of Energy (DOE) is taking a new approach with host local government units (LGUs) on securing permits for prospective power projects – it is not anchored on the usual ‘sit-down discussion of issues’ but done through ‘social drinking session’ with officials.
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla indicated that his newly-appointed Undersecretary used this strategy in helping secure a local government permit for the planned 600-megawatt liquefied natural gas (LNG) power facility in Pagbilao, Quezon.
“Sometimes there are strategies that will work which are not necessarily done by technocrats – bringing Fundador worked in sorting out the permitting issues of the Pagbilao LNG plant of EWC (Energy World Corporation),” he said.
Petilla was referring to an initiative earlier taken by Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos – whom he assigned to talk to the LGU officials in Quezon for the long-delayed bid for project permit of the proposed LNG facility.
Nevertheless, “this Fundador drinking approach” may not necessarily work with all LGUs, especially when the more comprehensive details of project implementation will have to be fleshed out.
At day’s end, more serious negotiations of issues as well as institutionalizing policies might still do the trick – especially so since power projects are not only capital-intensive but will also be there for the long-term.
The Pagbilao LNG plant has long been aligned as part of the 2016 power supply solutions for the Luzon grid, but snags in securing permit had its construction skidding to a later date.
Many power projects are similarly situated because of the hurdles they have been encountering with their prospective LGU-hosts and also with the communities along their targeted sites.
There have been proposals for the Executive branch, to be led by the DOE, to harmonize and streamline permitting processes for power projects because it is extremely crucial to ensuring completion of projects within set timeframes.