In the Philippines, electricity consumption is predominantly driven by fossil fuels, with coal being the major contributor. Fossil fuel sources make up over three-quarters of the country's electricity generation, with coal alone accounting for more than half of the total. Low-carbon energy sources account for nearly a quarter of the electricity mix. The main contributors to this group are hydropower and geothermal, each supplying almost a tenth of the total electricity. Solar energy, while present, still accounts for only a small fraction, barely making up a few percent of the overall supply. The reliance on fossil fuels is concerning given its impact on climate change and air pollution, highlighting a pressing need for transition towards more sustainable power sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Philippines?
Electricity consumption in the Philippines is on the rise. The latest data from 2024 indicates an increase in electricity use, now at 1095 kWh per person, which is an 8% rise from the previous year's record of 1016 kWh per person. This growth showcases an encouraging trend towards increased electrification to support economic growth and development. However, the contribution from low-carbon sources has slightly declined from past records. The current low-carbon electricity generation per person is 238 kWh, slightly below the peak recorded at the turn of the century. This underlines a missed opportunity in capitalizing on clean energy's potential amid growing electricity demands.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the Philippines can look to successful models adopted by other nations. For instance, France and Slovakia have effectively integrated nuclear power, contributing over two-thirds and a significant majority, respectively, of their electricity from this clean source. Meanwhile, countries like Denmark and Ireland have harnessed wind energy for over half and nearly a third of their electricity needs. Given the Philippines' climatic advantages, emphasizing solar development similar to Chile can drive further low-carbon growth. Investing in nuclear energy could provide a steady, reliable source to balance intermittent solar power, ensuring a sustainable future and a robust response to the climate emergency.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in the Philippines has seen a series of fluctuations. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower faced downturns, although it once recovered in subsequent periods, oscillating with several significant increases and decreases through the decades. The late 1990s marked a notable expansion in geothermal energy, a trend that surged with considerable momentum before slightly retracting in the early 2000s. The past decade has seen emerging contributions from solar energy, commencing in 2016 and expanding appreciably in recent years, with an evident surge in 2024. This history reflects both the potential and the challenges of different low-carbon technologies faced by the Philippines as it endeavors to diversify and fortify its clean electricity portfolio.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.