DOE looking into mangrove’s potential in managing CO2 emissions

The Department of Energy (DOE) is now looking into the potential of mangroves in managing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants as the Philippines committed to realize the energy transition without sacrificing energy security.

In a memorandum dated November 24, 2021, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi directed the DOE-Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (EPPB) to examine existing studies, or for the bureau to submit its own study on the “possibility of putting up mangroves for CO2 emission reduction from coal-fired power plants,” and seek technical assistance from the development partners for such a study. 

“The study, if proven, could help the Philippines in fulfilling the CO2 requirements without sacrificing our goal to achieve energy security given our energy-neutral portfolio,” Cusi said.

With the global community racing to find ways to curb the adverse impact of climate change on the planet, the Energy department said mangroves continue to gain scientific interest due to their ability to stockpile significant amounts of carbon in their wood and soil, instead of releasing it back into the atmosphere. 

“We recognize the need to attain our energy security in a sustainable manner,” Cusi said.

“However, while there still is a percentage of our power needs that is being provided by coal, we should actively explore the potential of out-of-the-box solutions that could reduce the harmful greenhouse gas emissions of coal plants,” he added.

The Philippines earlier urged the global community to end the debate on climate change and for nations to start implementing concrete actions to save the planet from an environmental catastrophe.

“The Philippines is determined to be a world leader in this fight against climate change,” said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in his remarks at the 26th United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) held last month in Scotland.

“We are moving ahead with urgency to fulfill our ambitious target. We shifted from theorizing about climate change to executing practical climate adaptation and mitigation projects on the ground. We have put together a group of Filipino experts who represent all corners of the Philippines to engage our fishermen and farmers to prepare them to execute localized action plans,” he added. — VBL, GMA News