EU-funded energy security project to target ‘energy trilemma’

An energy security project funded by the European Union (EU) and launched by various Philippine organizations and universities seeks to tackle the country’s “energy trilemma.”

In the 2019 Energy Trilemma Index of the World Energy Council, the Philippines was ranked 94th out of 128 countries in terms of energy security, environmental sustainability, and energy affordability.

On October 28, the three-year Access to Sustainable Energy Programme-Clean Energy Living Laboratories (ASEP-CELLs) project was launched in Cagayan de Oro by the Ateneo School of Government, Manila Observatory, ICLEI-Southeast Asia, Xavier University, and University of San Carlos.

ASEP-CELLs will conduct research studies, capacity-building activities, and advocacy programs to aid energy policymaking and the creation of sustainable energy pathways.

Giovanni Seritella of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines affirmed the EU’s commitment to helping the Philippine government achieve its goal of providing 100% electricity access to all Filipinos.

However, Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella emphasized that the transition to renewable energy must not be rushed.

“We should be careful in choosing the appropriate energy source,” he said.

Manila Observatory Senior Policy Advisor Yla Paras also said one way for the country to achieve energy security is to “develop [a] national policy to encourage energy connectivity to address the ‘energy trilemma,’ ensuring that energy sources are affordable, reliable and environmentally-friendly.” —Julia Mari Ornedo/VDS, GMA News