Renewable energy is a key step in addressing global warming and environmental issues, especially in the Philippines which depends heavily on agriculture and environmental tourism, and also a country which is impacted by climate change. Because of this, the country has made significant strides in transitioning to renewable energy sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind, solar, and biomass. In this article we will highlight the current state of the renewable energy section in the Philippines and the potential it brings for the future.
Types of Renewable Energy Sources in the Philippines
Source: DOE Energy Statistics 2021
https://www.doe.gov.ph/energy-statistics/philippine-power-statistics
The Philippines is a country rich in natural resources and have even more potential for renewable energy. The country is blessed with abundant hydro resources, with a total installed capacity of 3,752 MW as of 2021. Geothermal energy is also abundant, with an installed capacity of 1,928 MW. Wind energy has an installed capacity of 427 MW. Solar energy is rapidly gaining ground with an installed capacity of 1,064 MW. Biomass energy, which is generated from organic waste, has an installed capacity of 489 MW.
Government Initiatives and Policies to Promote Renewable Energy
The Philippine government has been proactive in promoting the use of renewable energy sources. One such initiative is the Feed-in Tariff System by the Department of Energy, which incentivizes investors and developers to put up renewable energy projects. The Renewable Energy Market is also a great initiative that aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to the total energy mix.
Impact of Renewable Energy on the Philippine Economy
Source: IRENA Renewable Energy Employment by Country
https://www.irena.org/Data/View-data-by-topic/Benefits/Renewable-Energy-Employment-by-Country
Renewable energy projects have created job opportunities in the construction, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy facilities. Increased investment in the sector also contributes to the overall growth of the economy.
Also important is the increasing reliance on domestic sources of energy which reduces dependence on imported fossil fuel, mitigating the impact of fluctuating global fuel price on energy generation and improving the balance of trade. Energy security has also been improved as the country’s energy mix becomes more diversified.
The Potential for Renewable Energy to Attract Investment
The Philippine government, due to its policies and incentives, have made an investment in renewable energy more attractive. Initiatives have been taken to scale up the renewable energy systems deployment. One such initiative is a road map that set an aggressive target to triple the 2010 renewable energy capacity by 2030
Energy security is also driving the demand for renewable energy sources. With a growing population and government policies driving industrial sections, demand for energy has exponentially grown, increasing the price of energy due to the fluctuating price of imported fossil fuel.
Challenges and Barriers to Renewable Energy Development
The development of renewable energy in the Philippines is not without challenges and barriers. One of the main challenges is the limited access to financing for renewable energy projects. This is due to a lack of investment in the renewable energy sector, as well as the high cost of renewable energy technologies. Another challenge is the limited transmission and distribution infrastructure, which makes it difficult to transport renewable energy to the grid.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the growth of renewable energy in the Philippines has been significant in recent years. The government’s initiatives and policies have played a major role in promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The positive impact of renewable energy on the Philippine economy is undeniable, as it contributes to economic growth, job creation, and energy security. The potential for renewable energy to attract investment and create job opportunities in the Philippines is huge, and it is important that the government continues to support the development of this sector. The challenges and barriers to the development of renewable energy can be overcome with the right policies and investment. The future of renewable energy in the Philippines is bright, and the country has a tremendous opportunity to play a significant role in addressing global warming and environmental degradation.
