The Philippine Energy Independence Council (PEIC), in a forum in Pasay City on Tuesday, said there is a pressing need to tap new sources of energy amid the country’s growing population and heightened infrastructure development.

“In the Philippines, the twin factors of economic and population growth have tolled heavily on the country’s energy resources,” Paulo Gavino of the Shell Philippines Exploration BV (SPEX) said.

“And with the expected huge increase in demand for more and cleaner energy by our fast-growing economy, there is already an urgent need to create alternative energy sources that are indigenous and sustainable,” he added.

PEIC is thus urging the government to “act promptly” in exploring the prospects of indigenous energy from sources within the Philippines.

To recall, the Luzon Grid experienced more than 90 intervals of red alert and over 270 intervals of yellow alert from March to June.

Meanwhile, Lopez-led First Gen Corp., one of the most active proponents of clean energy in the country, has proposed for the construction of a $1-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Batangas. The project aims to compensate for the reduction of energy sources that would be incurred upon expiration of the Malampaya gas contracts in 2024.

First Gen broke ground for the largest LNG terminal in May this year but it deferred construction to early 2020 as it was yet to settle its financial investment decision. The deferment, however, is still subject to approval of the Department of Energy.