Greenpeace reiterated its appeal to President Benigno Aquino to usher in clean, green renewable energy and reject harmful coal-fired plants. The environment group`s call came amid reports of an impending power crisis in Mindanao, based on a study released last week by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Current Department of Energy plans for Mindanao are designed to promote the use of coal power, and several coal-fired plants are set to be operational by 2015, according to Greenpeace. But coal and its negative side effects will only worsen Mindanao`s power woes in the long run, as opposed to renewable energy, which is good for the environment and business, Baconguis said. Mindanao, which relies on hydro-electric power, faces energy shortages during the dry season due to lower water levels in its lakes and rivers, Greenpeace noted.
