REPORT OF THE [0a 0) me) SN USL , CONVERGENCE.FOR ne a mem a IN THE PHILIPPINES P= CHALLENGES FACED BY STAKEHOLDERS ENOL CM TaN aye] |e) | Rea | as) | a November 2018 In celebration of the 10th year anniversary of the Renewable Energy Law (RE Law), the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CED), Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Greenpeace Philippines, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF Philippines), Bantay Kita, and Sanlakas as part of the Power for People Coalition (P4P Coalition), created a space for confluence among key stakeholders in the country's power industry in a Symposium entitled "Convergence for 100% Renewable Energy in the Philippines: A Symposium on the Challenges faced by Stakeholders in advancing Renewable Energy in the Philippines". In line with the vision-mission of the P4P Coalition the widest network of power consumers, civil society organizations (CSOs), coal-affected communities, and power cooperatives in the Philippines, united towards ‘the goal of pursuing clean and affordable renewable energy for all Filipinos—the objectives of the Symposium are to provide a space for convergence of local governments, renewable energy companies, CSOs, people's organizations, coal-affected communities, and power consumers towards the promotion of 100% clean and affordable renewable energy in the Philippines; to surface the different challenges faced in retiring coal plants and establishing renewable energy systems; and to bridge national and local efforts in the promotion of clean, affordable, and safe energy for all, and to open new opportunities for partnerships.WELCOMING REMARKS BY GEI EXECUTIVE DIRE THE IMPETUS BEHIND THE P4P COALITION In 2014, the first broad gathering of groups and stakeholders in the power sector specifically the coal-affected communities from across the country, electric cooperatives, academe, national organizations, and civil society organizations was convened in Davao City, when President Rodrigo Duterte was then Mayor. This gave birth to the P4P Coalition, the broadest national formation working on the power sector. Four years ago, the PP Coalition had three major EXISTING COAL PLANTS COAL INSTALLED CAPACITY undertakings: ‘ 1.Confront the looming massive expansion of : ro coal projects across the country-at the time, . there were only 15 coal plant projects with 15 25 . Eg approximately 5.7 gigawatts (GW) capacity; 42018 2.Transform the power sector, in order to be responsive to climate change; and 3.Contribute significantly in addressing the long standing problem of energy poverty and high Prices of electricity in the country. “2014 2018 Source: DOE, Powe Situation 2014 and Philippine Energy Plan 2017-2040 MAKING GREAT STRIDES Since its inception, P4P Coalition has made great strides in its goal of pursuing clean and affordable renewable energy for al Filipinos, Some key events have transpired on a global and national scale—the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2075, the country's eventual ratification led by Senator Loren Legarda in 2017; the global trend of divestment from coal and other fossil fuels, with local companies such as First Gen and AC Energy following the lead; and the implementation of more RE policy mechanisms, to wit: Net Metering, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, Green Energy Option, and at last the competitive selective process (CSP) guidelines. At the local level, all coal projects are now being opposed by coal-affected communities, with the strong support of civil society organizations. The Filipino people have managed to stop and delay more than 6 GW of coal plants, including the delay of the 3.5 GW 7 coal projects that is being questioned by consumers in the Greater Manila Area before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Additionally 8 local governments have ‘now issued resolutions rejecting proposed coal plants or enacted ordinances disallowing coal projects in their respective localities. These local governments are: Ozamiz City, Cebu City, South Cotabato Province, Guimaras Province, Bohol Province, Negros Oriental Province, llocos Norte Province, and Masbate Province. Because of the delays in the implementation of coal projects, and for some cancellation, opposition from communities, legal actions from civil society organizations, and push from policy makers, renewable industry, enlightened officials in the power sector, the country has seen the lowest rates for RE to date - P3.5/kilowatt hour (kWh) for wind and P2.99/KWh for solar energy.Arances closed his remarks by acknowledging that the stakeholders are ina better position now although the challenges remain, evolved, and with finer points of contention. More coal projects are still being pushed; climate change is stil a big problem; and millions of Filipino are still without access to electricity or are paying ever increasing electricity prices. This Symposium is not only a celebration of 10 years of the Renewable Energy Law, itis also an “attempt to start the discussion and discourse on critical issues faced by many stakeholders in the power sector— government, industry, CSOs, NGOs, consumer groups, electric cooperatives, academic groups, faith groups, and many others... at the end of the day we are all one in pushing forward for a clean and affordable renewable energy (CARE). Advocating for clean and affordable renewable energy is caring for the People, our homes, environment, and the climate." , 31002 ™ MURA MAL IN| « RENEWABLE ENERGY MIMaivent P4P San S S Beane aS PM ae WE , eran aL CEVA Eee TS TT Oem me eee meee ea ee (PVT ee Clee) for [this] is caring for the People, our homes, environment, and the climate.” > Mss Cm ET TE ene ener Caen Gta