Growing up in South Cotabato, we've experienced severe power outage every dry season. According to Aboitiz Power Corp.,We are heavily dependent on hydropower which is coming only from one source, Lake Lanao. When water level in Lake Lanao is very low, the power supply in Mindanao is gravely affected. Mindanao, the country’s second largest island, gets its power from four major sources: hydropower, coal, geothermal, and oil. The bulk – 662 MW or 52 per cent – comes from hydropower. Oil contributes 24 per cent of the power supply (311 MW) while geothermal is the source of 8 per cent (98 MW). The remaining 16 per cent (203 MW) comes from coal.
In Canada, we also get abundant energy from the flowing water. But, just like any of the sustainable energy sources, the problem is mainly its' storage and cost. Hydro plant operations may also affect water quality by churning up dissolved metals that may have been deposited by industry long ago. Hydro plant operations may increase silting, change water temperatures, and lower the levels of dissolved oxygen. To some degree, these problems can be managed by constructing fish ladders, dredging silt, and carefully regulating plant operations.
On the plus side, hydropower's fuel supply (flowing water) is clean and is renewed yearly by snow and rainfall. Unlike fossil fuel plants, hydro plants do not emit any pollutants into the air because they bum no fuel.
Hydropower is also the only energy source that offers a whole range of added benefits. Dams control flood waters, and reservoirs provide lakes for boating, fishing, and swimming.
I think that with the pace we are moving with globalization nowadays, fossil fuels/ coal won't be able to cover all the demands in the planet. So investing in renewables is the way to go. Yes, it is pricey, but I believe it is worth it in the long run.
Aime Leysa
Miss Earth Fil - Canada#MissPhilippinesEarth2018
Dyosa ng Inang Kalikasan