The Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE) strongly oppose the construction of coal-fired power plants because of the following major reasons:

1. Coal-fired power plants are hazardous to the health and well-being of the people, host communities, surrounding towns and cities, brought about by toxic chemicals and gas emissions.

Coal-fired power plants release a combination of toxic metals and compounds deadly to human health.

Let us call on Metrobank to scrap the financing of the proposed coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City. Watch campaign video above launched by Greenpeace.

Coal burning releases mercury. Empirical data shows that mercury emitted from a coal-fired power plant has a discharge contamination circumference reaching 600 miles. A 100MW coal plant would cumulatively produce approximately 25 pounds of mercury a year even if it would utilize Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) technology. Mercury is a heavy metal, and it takes only 1/70th of a teaspoon to contaminate a 10.11 hectare lake. Like lead, it affects the nervous system, putting children in utero, infants, and young children at risk. People who eat a lot of fish are particularly at risk.

Coal-fired power plants also release toxic metals and metal compounds like  cadmium, which is the source of a wide range of ailments associated with heart, kidney and liver disease, lead, another metal associated with kidney damage, reproductive disorders, anemia, and neurologic impairments; and other cancer-causing metals hexavalent chromium which damages the nose and lungs and causes stomach upsets and ulcers. Other carcinogenic compounds are also released.

2. There is no such thing as “clean coal technology.”

CFB is directed at controlling only sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide during coal burning. It does not control carbon dioxide which is the major cause of global warming. The increase in the earth’s temperature has been the cause of stronger and more frequent typhoons and other climatic changes, spread of infectious diseases, rising sea levels, and loss of forests, wetlands, and coastal areas.

March 5, 2008 anti-coal plant ecumenical prayer rally in Iloilo City.

Moreover, pollution emitted by coal plants does not only come from coal burning. Pollution is also generated from: (1) coal handling and storage, (2) ash handling and storage, and (3) waste discharges. Pollution from these sources will kill our scenic coastline and marine resources and add to the loss of livelihood of our farmers and fisherfolks.

We refute the claims of the proponent, that building a coal-fired plant will be advantageous for Panay given our steady supply of coal from Semirara, Antique. But Semirara coal has low heating value. While a CFB can burn a wide range of coal qualities, in the initial years of its operation it needs to burn a mixture substantially composed of higher grade imported coal in order to achieve thermal efficiency.

An added problem is the need of CFB plants to mix massive quantities of limestone to capture sulfur and minimize SOx emissions.  Enormous quarrying of limestone from Guimaras will demand another set of safety requirements that if not properly followed will gravely endanger the livelihood of Guimarasnons especially the mango industry.

3.  Panay Island has a big potential for clean and sustainable energy sources which can be tapped for the long term base load requirements.

Dependence on the independent power producers for the energy needs is at the expense of research and development devoted to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Panay Island is endowed with vast potentials for clean and renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, hydro, wave, and biomass. These potentials are capable of producing electricity several times more over than the projected needs a decade later. We propose that the government, private sector and civil society must shift from dirty coal and develop alternatives which are not harmful to the environment and do not endanger the health of our people.