Electricity in Philippines in 2023/2024

The electricity landscape in the Philippines from July 2023 to June 2024 is predominantly driven by fossil fuels, with more than three-quarters, or about 78%, sourced from these energy types. Coal alone accounts for over 61% of this, making it the largest contributor to the country's electricity generation mix. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources such as geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind contribute just over a fifth to the country's electricity supply. Geothermal and hydropower represent the largest shares among the low-carbon sources, providing nearly 9% each. Solar and wind contribute only a small fraction, with just under 3% and a little over 1%, respectively. This imbalance indicates a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which could have implications for air quality and climate change.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the Philippines can adopt strategies from countries that have successfully expanded their clean energy portfolios. For instance, the impressive wind power contributions of Denmark and Uruguay, at 59% and 36% respectively, reflect the potential for harnessing wind energy in coastal or windy regions. Moreover, embracing nuclear power can offer a stable, large-scale low-carbon solution, as seen in France and Slovakia, where nuclear contributes over 60% of electricity. By investing in both wind and nuclear technologies, the Philippines could diversify its energy sources and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, paving the way for a more sustainable electricity mix. Additionally, the Philippines can look towards countries like Chile and Jordan, where solar contributes significantly to the electricity mix, suggesting that expanding solar capabilities might be particularly effective.

History

Historically, the Philippines has witnessed fluctuations in low-carbon electricity generation. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydroelectric power experienced modest growth with some setbacks, including a decline in 1991. The late 1990s marked a positive turn with notable increases in both geothermal and hydroelectric generation, particularly in 1998 and 1999. However, geothermal experienced a setback in the early 2000s. The 2000s were marked by highs and lows in hydroelectric output, with significant growth after 2006. Recent years have seen further development in solar energy, especially in 2016, exemplifying the country's effort to incorporate more sustainable sources. While geothermal has seen a decline recently, continued support for a mix of low-carbon technologies will be vital for the Philippines to achieve a cleaner energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources