In 2024, the electricity consumption in the Philippines demonstrates a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with over three-quarters of the electricity, more precisely 78%, coming from fossil sources. Coal alone accounts for nearly two-thirds of the total electricity production, emphasizing the country's heavy dependence on it. In contrast, about 22% of electricity is generated from low-carbon sources. Among these, hydropower represents about 9% while geothermal energy contributes a similar share. Solar and biofuels make up smaller segments, comprising approximately 3% and 1% respectively. The current energy mix shows an opportunity for growth in cleaner energy sources, which are crucial in mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Philippines?
The Philippines has seen growth in electricity consumption, with the latest figure for 2024 being 1085 kWh per person, which marks an increase from the previous record of 1016 kWh per person in 2023. This positive trend signifies a growing demand for electricity, driven by technological advancements and economic development. However, when examining the low-carbon electricity generation, there has been a slight decline compared to historical figures. The current generation of 236 kWh per person is lower than the 244 kWh per person recorded in 2000. This stagnation in the low-carbon sector raises concerns about the country's commitment to expanding clean energy infrastructure, despite the overall growth in electricity consumption.
Suggestions
To significantly boost low-carbon electricity generation, the Philippines can look to successful regions that have pioneered in solar and nuclear energies. Learning from countries like France, where nuclear power contributes to more than two-thirds of their electricity, the Philippines could benefit from investing in nuclear technology to address its energy needs. Solar energy represents another area of opportunity, with examples such as Lebanon generating almost a third of its electricity through solar. Emulating these regions, the Philippines should expand its solar capacity, capitalizing on its abundant sunlight while also exploring the potential for nuclear power. Through such strategic energy planning, the country can increase its share of clean electricity, fostering a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity development in the Philippines has presented a mix of growth and fluctuations. In the late 20th century, the country saw a reasonable contribution from hydropower, though it faced declines in the early 90s. The end of the 1990s saw a modest rise in geothermal energy, with bumps in hydropower along the way. The 21st century brought further variability, with solar energy only beginning to make a noticeable impact in the mid-2010s. In recent years, solar energy has gained some momentum, with a notable increase in 2024. However, the overall pattern reflects a need for consistent expansion and strategic policy direction to maintain and grow low-carbon energy generation amidst these historical fluctuations.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.