Environmental groups slam push for Atimonan coal plant, cite renewable alternatives

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Environmental advocates in Quezon renew calls against the Atimonan coal plant as debates intensify over energy securi...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Environmental advocates in Quezon renew calls against the Atimonan coal plant as debates intensify over energy security and climate impact. (QUEEN)

ATIMONAN, Quezon — Environmental advocates led by QUEEN (Quezon for Environment) have intensified their opposition to renewed efforts to advance the 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Atimonan. They stressed that the timing is particularly concerning as the world faces worsening climate risks and rising tensions between countries that affect global energy supply and prices.

The proposed project is expected to increase pollution levels, contribute further to the climate crisis, and expose consumers to unstable global energy markets. It also marks the revival of a long-contested development that has faced more than a decade of opposition from communities, church groups, and environmental advocates.



The coal plant is being developed by Atimonan One Energy Inc., a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp., and is designed as a high-efficiency facility capable of generating 1,200 MW of electricity. The Department of Energy (DOE) has reaffirmed that the project is not covered by the country’s 2020 coal moratorium, allowing it to proceed despite broader policy shifts toward renewable energy.

QUEEN pointed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted global oil supply and driven up fuel prices. The group noted that the Philippines remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with around 67 percent of its energy sourced from coal, oil, and gas, contributing to some of the highest electricity rates in Asia.

“Hindi barko o cargo vessel ang nagpapasan ng gatong na maruming coal patungo sa planta, kung hindi ang bulsa ng walang choice na mga konsyumer. Ang pag-asa sa inaangkat na fossil fuels ay lalo lamang naglalagay sa mga konsyumer sa panganib ng pagtaas ng presyo at epekto ng mga krisis sa pandaigdigang merkado,” the group said in a statement.

Environmental and health risks also remain a central concern, with QUEEN citing studies showing that coal facilities contribute to long-term land, air, and marine pollution. The group added that impacts from extraction, transport, and combustion threaten ecosystems and livelihoods, particularly among fisherfolk and farmers.

“Polusyon at pagkalason ang dulot ng coal mula pagmimina hanggang pagsusunog nito, na direktang sumisira sa kalikasan at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan. Hindi dapat ipagpalit ang kalusugan at kapaligiran sa panandaliang kita na dulot ng maruming enerhiya,” QUEEN said.

Despite opposition, the project’s proponents maintain that the plant will use newer and more efficient technology designed to use less fuel and produce fewer emissions than older coal plants. They said these improvements are intended to reduce environmental impact while ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.

“Ang layunin ng proyekto ay magbigay ng matatag at tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente para sa mga kabahayan at industriya. Mahalaga ito upang maiwasan ang kakulangan sa kuryente lalo na sa mga panahong hindi sapat ang produksyon ng renewable energy,” Atimonan One Energy Inc. (a Meralco PowerGen subsidiary) said.

The project has secured key regulatory approvals, including an environmental compliance certificate and classification as an Energy Project of National Significance, with operations expected to extend until 2050. These approvals indicate that the project has met key government requirements for environmental compliance and national energy planning.

“Ang proyektong ito ay dumaan sa masusing pagsusuri at pag-apruba ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan bago ito pinayagang umusad. Ipinapakita nito na may mahalagang papel ang planta sa pagtugon sa lumalaking pangangailangan sa kuryente ng bansa. Patuloy naming sisikapin na masunod ang mga pamantayan sa kalikasan at kaligtasan habang isinasagawa ang proyekto,” the company said.

Amid these concerns, the group highlighted a contrasting development in Atimonan: a ₱10-billion wind power project expected to generate up to 100 megawatts of electricity. The wind energy project aligns with the Philippine Energy Plan and the national strategy to expand renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.