Coal as the Main Source of Energy in the Philippines: How long can we continue harnessing coal?

 By: Junn Ray Y. Alonso

For many years, Philippines' main source of energy is coal. Electricity production using coal contributes 52% of the country's total consumption per year.  [1] Even with the abundance of coal, still time will come that we can no longer use it as main product to generate electricity. Coal might be abundant as of now but it takes a long period of time to form. Coal is formed from remains of plants buried beneath earth's crust and is subjected to geological forces of heat and pressure for over a million of years.  [2] There are a number of concerns that can affect the use of coal in Philippines' electricity generation like its supply and different environmental concerns.

Reserve, Production, and Consumption

           The production of coal is increasing for several years but even with our vast production, the Philippines still imports coal in order to fulfill the countries demand. However, its consumption is also increasing due to increasing demands of electricity in the country. In 2016, the country produced 13 million tons of coal but also consumed 22.3 million tons of coal reducing its current reserve year by year. Based on the current consumption, Philippine coal reserve can only last for 16 years. [3] If consumption will continue to rise, the coal reserves will slowly decrease. Sooner or later, coal production will also decrease but the consumption will still be increasing that is why it is essential for us to adopt to renewable energy before this time comes. The earlier we start to switch to renewable energy as main source of energy, the later shortage of coal will happen. Coal may be abundant in the world and Philippines can still import for reserves, but we should keep in mind that it is not only the supply and demand we are dealing, environmental concerns are also a huge aspect that might prevent us to continue using coal in the future.

Environmental Concerns
          Coal maybe a conventional source of generating electricity but it has a number of environmental concerns from its production through mining to its application in electrical generation that greatly contributes in pollution crisis in the country. Coal production and utilization also creates health hazards in places near coal power plants and mining areas. Toxic emissions from these areas can cause health problems such as lung diseases, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, cancer, and even can contribute in decreasing life spans of some people.  [4]
Conclusion
          Global coal reserves are estimated at 1.1 trillion tons across the world, at our current rates of production and consumption, we have 150 years until coal supply runs out [5] but the supply and production are not the only aspects we should consider whether we continue using coal as main source of energy in the country. Even if we have abundant supply of coal as of the moment, our country has almost no equipment and machinery to mitigate the increasing pollution problems. Moreover, coal mining also harms the nature that can greatly affect the situation of the next generation. I think time will come that we’ll greatly lessen or even stop using coal as main source of energy not due to its impact to our environment and its harmful effects to humans. Renewable energy may not be cheap, but it is a great investment towards a healthy and safe future.

References

	[1] T. A. P. Team, "The Asean Post," 18 February 2023. [Online]. Available: https://theaseanpost.com/article/why-philippines-so-focused-coal. [Accessed 19 February 2023].
	[2] U. o. C. Scientists, "How Coal Works," 18 December 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-coal-works. [Accessed 15 February 2023].
	[3] Worldometer, "Philippine Coal," [Online]. Available: https://www.worldometers.info/coal/philippines-coal/. [Accessed 16 February 2023].
	[4] S. Nicol, "Coal Impact on Environment - Health Hazards and Solutions," 19 January 2023. [Online]. Available: https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/wild-earth/params/post/1285440/impacts-of-coal-mining. [Accessed 17 February 2023].
	[5] I. R. Group, "When Will Fossils Run Out?," 2023. [Online]. Available: https://infinity-renewables.com/162-2/. [Accessed 17 February 2023].