The current state of electricity consumption in the Philippines reflects a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which supply about three-quarters of the nation's electricity. Coal alone accounts for more than half of this consumption, underlining a significant dependence on this energy source. Gas contributes close to a fifth. However, there is also a commitment to low-carbon sources, contributing around a quarter of the total electricity generated. Among the low-carbon energy sources, hydropower leads with more than a tenth followed by geothermal with just a little less. Although solar is contributing nearly 4%, biofuels at around 1% represent only a nominal share.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Philippines?
Examining the trend in electricity consumption per person paints a worrying picture. The 2025 figure of 1027 kWh/person is a slight decrease from the previous high of 1045 kWh/person recorded in 2024, indicating a dip that is concerning amidst the need for growth to meet increasing demands. The one bright spot is the improvement in low-carbon electricity generation, which rose to 257 kWh/person in 2025 from a prior record in 2000, which was 244 kWh/person. These figures emphasize the importance of fostering the low-carbon sector to ensure sustainable growth moving forward.
Suggestions
To boost the share of low-carbon electricity, the Philippines could learn from regions that excel in nuclear and solar energy generation. For instance, France and Slovakia exemplify the potential of nuclear energy, covering more than two-thirds of their electricity needs with this clean energy source. For solar energy advancements, regions like Nevada and California, generating about a third of their electricity from solar, showcase pathways to enhance solar deployment. By considering such strategies and investing in nuclear and solar infrastructure, the Philippines can increase its adoption of sustainable energy sources while reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thus fostering healthier air and a stable climate.
History
Historically, the Philippines has seen a fluctuation in its low-carbon electricity contributions. In the 1980s, hydropower showed some growth, particularly with gains in 1984 and 1988, but the late '90s were marked by declines. From the late 2000s, solar energy began making its presence felt with increase in 2016. More recently, hydro saw an encouraging upturn in 2021 and again bolstered its output significantly in 2025. These periods of growth signal potential paths for expansion, but recent history also underscores the need for a stable and robust strategy focusing on consistently scaling up both hydro and newer clean sources like solar, while considering nuclear as an essential future asset for steady and reliable electricity supply.
