This new technology called supercritical simply means that its efficiency level is higher than that of standard coal plants currently producing power all over the country.

Just this week, no less than the President of the Republic, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, led the inauguration of the country’s first and only supercritical coal power plant, the San Buenaventura Power Limited’s (SBPL) 500-megawatt clean coal plant. I was privileged to have been there to witness this historic event in what I believe would change the way power supply will be in our country.

There is this assumption that coal fired power plants are harmful, and there are some quarters clamoring that it should be totally abolished. I do not wish to create an argument, but I will merely base my premise in science. This new technology called supercritical simply means that its efficiency level is higher than that of standard coal plants currently producing power all over the country.

Simply put, it burns coal more efficiently, thus lessens the carbon emission released in the environment.

During his speech, President Duterte lauded SBPL for “taking this crucial step in our collective journey towards energy security.” He continued by saying, “I am truly pleased that this participation has led to the construction of this environment-friendly power generation facility, which will not only help in the development of our communities in Mauban, Quezon, but more importantly augment the current level of power supply in Luzon.”

Note the President’s statement — augment the supply in Luzon. I totally agree and I am sure many will as well with the President’s statement.

We need supply and we need to secure every megawatt we have available for the simple reason that without ample capacity we risk forfeiting the gains that this administration has created through our continued robust economy.

The President also assured the private sector that his administration remains committed in having the potential of sustainable, renewable energy in driving the growth of our economy.

I totally agree with the President when he pointed out that with the substantial gains his administration has instituted in the past three years, more and more players will be able to pursue more effective business strategies as long as they give utmost importance for the protection of our environment and the welfare of host communities.

As we take another step in ensuring supply to the grid, we can only hope that both the government and the private sector will continue to collaborate to build a better future for the power industry.

In closing, I will quote the President’s speech when he said, “To our friends in the private sector, I ask you to follow the lead of San Buenaventura Power by investing in the generation of clean energy.”