Public hearing on proposed coal-fired power plant in Concepcion up
Despite several months of silence, the proposed entry of a 100 megawatts coal-fired power plant in Concepcion, Iloilo is not yet dead. In fact, this coming Friday, August 4, 2006 a public hearing is scheduled in the said town where the proponent, DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) is expected to present the result of its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Concepcion Mayor Raul Banias said over the provincial government's "Capitol in Action" radio program last Saturday that representatives from various sectors are invited to attend the public hearing.
To note, certain environmentalist groups strongly oppose the entry of coal-fired power plants in the province.
Banias said the purpose of the public hearing is to hear all the concerns--both the advantages and disadvantages--about the proposed project.
"Above all we would like to ensure measures to protect the health of our people and the environment," Banias said.
To recall, the Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (Rise) scored Banias for allegedly siding with the DMCI during the initial stage of the firm's plan to put up coal-fired power plant in Concepcion, Iloilo.
The government sees as solution to the looming power crisis in Panay Island the establishment of coal-fired power plants.
In 2002 Korean firm Korea Electric and Power Company (Kepco) first applied to put up one in Banate, Iloilo but it was rejected by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan due to health and environmental hazards it may cause.
While DMCI's application in Concepcion is pending, Mirant Global is also eyeing Barotac Viejo as site of another coal-fired power plant.
Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. has since endorsed the putting up of coal-fired power plants in the province as it would help solve the power problems not only of Iloilo but also other parts of Panay.
Tupas sees the immediate need of additional power for the province with the near completion of the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo.
Meanwhile, environmentalists believe that coal-fired power plants are hazardous to environment and to the people's health as shown in the experience of other countries.
They contended that Panay Island has other potential sources of clean and renewable energy which could be tapped.