Granting of ECC to coal-fired power plant project in Concepcion slammed
Efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions suffer a setback with the granting of an ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate) to the DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) to put up a coal-fired power plant in Concepcion, Iloilo.
Environmental group Green Forum -- Western Visayas scored DENR for inconsistencies in addressing global warming.
"There is a climate crisis and we live in small islands that are most vulnerable to droughts, flashfloods, destruction of marine habitats and seawater rise. Why is DENR allowing this dirty coal plant that has not been endorsed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Regional Development Council, nor the Department of Energy (DoE)?" Melvin Purzuelo, Coordinator of Green Forum said.
DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes signed the ECC dated May 27, 2007 for the 100 MW circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant project in Brgy. Nipa, Concepcion, Iloilo.
Since the 1990s several proposed coal-fired power plants have been blocked by communities in the provinces of Negros Occidental, Antique and Iloilo.
In March 2004, the Iloilo Provincial Council rejected the proposed Kepco-Banate coal power plant due to the hazards it will cause to surrounding ecosystems and communities.
DoE declared Negros Island as the country's renewable energy center that will tap the vast geothermal, biomass and wind energy of the island.
The Regional Development Council identified renewable energy sources in Panay Island in its Medium Term Development Plan to address the growing needs for electricity. These sources include the Timbaban Hydro in Madalag, Aklan, Villa Siga in Bugasong, Antique and the biomass potentials of sugar and rice mills.
"DENR should respect efforts in making Western Visayas the country's renewable energy center as the Ilonggo's concrete contribution towards a safer climate," Purzuelo added.