Electricity in Philippines in 2023

As of 2023, the electricity consumption in the Philippines is significantly skewed towards fossil fuels, with over 90 TWh generated from sources like coal and gas. Coal alone accounts for more than half of the total electricity consumption, and gas adds another substantial portion. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity generation—including geothermal, hydropower, solar, wind, and biofuels—contributes approximately 26 TWh, much less than the fossil fuel-generated power. This represents a smaller slice of the total energy pie, highlighting a heavy reliance on non-renewable sources. Given that the global average electricity consumption per person is 432 watts, the Philippines, with its relatively low level of clean energy production, faces challenges such as increased air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and vulnerability to global energy market fluctuations.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, the Philippines can draw lessons from successful practices in other countries. For instance, China and the United States have significantly ramped up their production of solar and wind power, creating substantial clean energy outputs of 584 TWh from solar and 886 TWh from wind in China, and 238 TWh from solar and 425 TWh from wind in the U.S. These countries have invested heavily in technology and infrastructure to advance their clean energy capabilities. The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight and wind resources, could also follow suit. Furthermore, the emphasis on expanding nuclear power, as seen in nations like the United States and France, where nuclear energy supplies 775 TWh and 336 TWh respectively, can provide a reliable and sustainable foundation for clean energy generation. Investments in these areas could help the Philippines transition away from fossil fuels, reducing its carbon footprint and improving environmental health.

History

Historically, the Philippines has shown modest but inconsistent progress in low-carbon electricity generation. In the late 1990s, geothermal energy saw a sharp increase, with jumps of 1.7 TWh each in 1998 and 1999. However, subsequent years have seen fluctuations, particularly in hydroelectric power. For instance, there were notable increases in 1984, 1988, and 2011, but also significant declines, such as in 1991, 1997, and 2010. Solar energy made a noteworthy entry in 2016 with an increase of 1 TWh, signifying the beginning of diversification in clean energy sources. Although the nation has periodically ramped up its efforts in expanding low-carbon electricity, the challenges in hydropower and the rather slow uptake of newer technologies like wind and solar suggest that strong, consistent policy and investment in these areas are crucial for a sustained and impactful shift towards green energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources