In 2024, the Philippines' electricity landscape is primarily dominated by fossil fuels, which make up over three-quarters of the electricity generation. Specifically, coal plays a significant role, constituting more than 60%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, which are critical for sustainable development, comprise just over one-fifth of the electricity mix. Among these, hydropower and geothermal energy contribute nearly a third of the low-carbon share combined, while solar and biofuels add a modest portion. The reliance on fossil-based and particularly coal-driven electricity is concerning given the pressing issues of climate change and air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for a transition to more substantial low-carbon generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Philippines?
The latest data for 2024 shows that electricity consumption in the Philippines is experiencing a positive trend, growing from the previous year's figures. The consumption now stands at 1085 kWh per person, an increase of 69 kWh from the 2023 record. However, despite this encouraging surge in overall consumption, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a slight downturn when compared to the earlier record from 2000, with a decrease of 8 kWh per person. This downturn in low-carbon generation, amid rising total electricity consumption, underscores the need for heightened efforts to bolster clean energy sources to meet growing demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To expand low-carbon electricity generation effectively, the Philippines could draw lessons from regions successfully utilizing nuclear and solar energy. Countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate the substantial role nuclear energy can play, contributing a significant majority to their electricity profiles. Similarly, solar power is a viable option, as seen in climates comparable to Greece and Cyprus, where solar energy constitutes a substantial part of their electricity mix. Emulating such strategies, the Philippines can enhance its solar and potentially nuclear capabilities to transition towards a more sustainable, clean electricity system, ensuring energy security and driving down the carbon footprint in the process.
History
Historically, the journey of low-carbon electricity in the Philippines has been marked by fluctuations and occasional advancements. In the late 1990s, geothermal energy witnessed a boost, followed by a slight decline in the early 2000s. The introduction of solar energy in 2016 marked a significant step in diversifying the green energy spectrum. Hydropower has experienced both periods of growth and reduction over the decades, reflecting a somewhat volatile path. Notably, recent years have seen a promising injection of solar electricity in 2024, which suggests a potential avenue for increasing the country's clean energy share moving forward. Continued focus on expanding low-carbon sources will be vital in shaping a sustainable electricity future for the Philippines.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.