Trailblazing a path towards a cleaner energy grid – BusinessWorld Online
Trailblazing a path towards a cleaner energy grid BusinessWorld Online
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Momentum for the Clean Energy Transition
By Bjorn Biel M. Beltran, Special Features and Content Assistant Editor
In the latest “Tracking Clean Energy Progress” report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in July, it was highlighted that the clean energy transition is gaining momentum due to advancements in key technologies. These technologies, such as solar PV and electric vehicles, are demonstrating what can be achieved with ambitious policies and actions.
- Sales of electric vehicles exceeded 10 million for the first time in 2022, a tenfold increase in just five years.
- The deployment of renewable electricity capacity reached a record 340 gigawatts (GW), resulting in 30% of the world’s electricity being produced from renewable sources.
- A total of US$1.6 trillion was invested in clean energy in 2022, showing sustained trust in energy transitions.
The IEA emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to spread progress on electric cars and other key technologies to all regions, particularly emerging and developing economies. While clean energy deployment is happening faster in some sectors, such as electricity generation and passenger cars, there is still a need for rapid innovation in areas like heavy industry and long-distance transport.
The Challenge of Long-Distance Energy Transmission in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the issue of long-distance energy transmission has been causing delays in renewable energy development. Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla highlighted the need to address system impact studies (SIS) upfront to avoid delays. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is conducting the SIS to evaluate the potential effects of incorporating new energy sources on the grid. However, meeting deadlines for the completion of the SIS has proven challenging.
Straddling the Balance Between Energy Sustainability and Security
At a forum, Atty. Richard J. Nethercott, president and CEO of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, Inc., emphasized the importance of a sustainable and secure energy grid. He acknowledged the country’s abundant renewable energy resources and the opportunity they present to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and stabilize energy prices. Secretary Lotilla emphasized the need for a just transition to renewable energy, recognizing that it will take time.
The Role of Energy Efficiency in the Transition
Energy efficiency was highlighted as a crucial pillar in the energy sector’s transition. Alexander Ablaza, CEO of Climargy, Inc., emphasized the need to prioritize energy efficiency alongside renewable energy. Increasing annual energy-efficiency progress from 2.2% to over 4% by 2030 can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and bring various social and economic benefits.
Towards a Fully-Electrified Archipelago
Raymond B. Ravelo, chief sustainability officer of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), emphasized the delicate balance between accessible, affordable, clean, and sustainable energy. The distribution of renewable energy must be reassessed to achieve a fully electrified archipelago. All stakeholders in the energy sector have a role to play in the transition, and a comprehensive understanding of those roles is necessary.
Conclusion
The clean energy transition is gaining momentum globally, driven by advancements in key technologies. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas like long-distance energy transmission and the need for rapid innovation in hard-to-tackle sectors. The Philippines, with its abundant renewable energy resources, has the opportunity to transition to a sustainable and secure energy grid. Energy efficiency must be prioritized alongside renewable energy, and all stakeholders must work together to achieve the country’s renewable energy targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Sales of electric vehicles surpassing 10 million for the first time in 2022
- Largest deployment of renewable electricity capacity reaching 340 gigawatts (GW)
- 30% of the world’s electricity now produced from renewable energy sources
- A record US$1.6 trillion invested in clean energy in 2022
- Energy efficiency progress increasing from 2.2% to over 4% annually by 2030
- Investments in energy efficiency sector increasing from US$600 billion to over US$1.8 trillion by 2030
- Share of renewable energy in the Philippines increasing to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | – Sales of electric vehicles surpassing 10 million for the first time in 2022 – Largest deployment of renewable electricity capacity reaching 340 gigawatts (GW) – 30% of the world’s electricity now produced from renewable energy sources – A record US$1.6 trillion invested in clean energy in 2022 |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | – Energy efficiency progress increasing from 2.2% to over 4% annually by 2030 – Investments in energy efficiency sector increasing from US$600 billion to over US$1.8 trillion by 2030 |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | – Share of renewable energy in the Philippines increasing to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Share of renewable energy in the Philippines increasing to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: bworldonline.com
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