At the end of the long and winding negotiations of COP26, reactions to the Glasgow Climate Pact were a mix of measured disappointment and optimism towards the future. Many were dismayed at India’s language change to “phase down” of coal versus “phaseout”, though sources say these were introduced by the US and China. The landmark language explicitly calling for reduction of fossil fuels was met with a bit of praise as similar to the Paris agreement, it was open enough that it can be discussed more thoroughly at COP27.
The Philippines, one of the countries most affected by the climate crisis, was brought up in passing in a few Presidency Events. The UK’s Secretary of State Kwasi Kwarteng mused that in the last year, many other countries have committed themselves to the energy transition such as the PH, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
“Consigning Coal to History” was the go-to anecdote for energy at COP26. Multiple governments and banks declared their support and renewed declarations for accelerating a just and inclusive transition to clean power. In particular, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) put forward their 100-billion dollar Climate Finance Ambition that included the much-discussed Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). This blended finance tool would start with its three pilot initiates: The Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. A few civil society groups however stressed that the ADB should be more transparent with their dealings with the PH government considering the public is who will be affected by any change in policy.
The Philippines, represented by a 19-person delegation led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, took part in the international conference with a pointed aim at climate finance. During COP26, Dominguez joined the launch of the ETM while announcing that coal-fired plants in the PH would gradually be retired as the ETM tool provides finance for the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower plant in Bukidnon. ADB has started a two-year feasibility study for the plant while Dominguez stated that the goal is to finalize the pilot fund by the end of next year (2022).
Secretary of Energy Alfonso Cusi gave his address to the UN via video recording stating that “the goal of the PH energy sector to complete the energy transition while upholding the welfare of our systems.” The much-contended PH Energy Plan 2020 – 2040 was prominently mentioned in his address as Cusi affirmed that its priorities and initiatives remained appropriately relevant. It was detailed that the plan would increase RE generation share to 35% in 2030 to 50% in 2040 while echoing the greater use of LNG for electricity and the current moratorium on the entry of new coal fired projects.
The Philippines was actually one of the 40 countries that endorsed the Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement but strangely it was the only country to give conditional support. Cusi spoke with the UK government, saying that the PH is only endorsing clause 1 and partially clauses 2 and 4. Clause 3 specifically says that countries will “cease new construction of unabated coal-fired power generation projects” and “end new direct government support for unabated international coal-fired power generation.” The DOE Sec explained that they couldn’t endorse Clause 3 because the PH is more focused on energy security and economic development despite last year’s moratorium.
In other related news, the province of Guimaras in Western Visayas gave a video statement to the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) announcing their membership. The PPCA announced in Glasgow 28 new members, raising their total membership to 165 countries, cities, regions, and businesses.
Samuel Gumarin, the governor of Guimaras Province hailed them as the first coal-free province in Visayas as well as the operational 54-megawatt San Lorenzo wind farm. “We are deeply honored to be given the opportunity to become an active member of the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This will open doors for the island-province of Guimaras to contribute to the momentum in our local and global efforts to transition from coal to clean energy thereby limiting the rise of global temperatures,” said Gumarin. Negros Occidental Province and Ormoc City in Leyte have also joined as subnational government members of the Alliance.