Can we ensure the future of energy for the Philippine archipelago?

As the Philippines faces the call to adapt its energy systems, the question of future-proofing it becomes acute. While discussions focus on emerging innovations, are current projects already changing the way we power our islands? Can the archipelagic country made up of diverse islands leverage advances in renewable energy (RE) to prepare for the challenges ahead?

In the third and final episode of the roundtable discussion, “Empowering Power: Weather Disasters in the Energy Transition,” presented by AboitizPower and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), discussed what it means to “use what we have in abundance” as it relates to the conversation on energy transformation.

The discussion was moderated by ECCP Energy Committee Chair Ruth Yu-Owen. She was joined by other experts from the local energy sector: Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, former Chair and CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC); and Professor Rowaldo “Wali” Del Mundo, associate dean of the College of Engineering at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

In earlier episodes, panelists agreed that the Philippines as an archipelago is a variable in the design of unified energy systems. Our geographic location also makes the country extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, making energy resilience not just a goal, but a necessity.

Atty. Dimalanta started the conversation by repeating that we should first start working on what we already have. She recalled how developing countries like the Philippines are leveraging the wealth on their lands to give themselves an advantage in the energy transition.

“So what is available to us? Marami Tayong Tubig, Marami Tayong Solar, Marami Tayong Geothermal Energy, Hangin. So masusulit natin all resources na meron tayo, lalo na kung libre is resources na. Bakit natin pipigilan yung sarili natin gamitin yung resources na yun?”

(“So what is available to us? We have plenty of water, solar, geothermal (resources), and wind. So if we can maximize all the resources we have, especially since they are free, why should we refrain from using them?”)

A “just transition” to renewable energy sources

When the Department of Energy plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 35% by 2030 as part of the Energy Development Plan for 2020–2040, prof. Wali reiterated the need for a “just transition” that combines results with thorough research, systems, programs and policies to effectively implement the energy transition while addressing social issues.

“The development of hydropower is part of the (energy) transformation,” said Prof. Wali. “This is important because it has already been established that hydropower is the cheapest form of renewable energy. So it would be better to maximize the use of hydropower. For me, it’s a matter of planning.”

As an example, he told how Brazil switched to hydropower in 2010 and invested in related infrastructure, playing a major role in lower power generation levels and cheaper electricity, as well as contributing to the country’s economic gains.

Hydropower, also known as hydropower, is the use of the natural flow of water to produce electricity using structures such as hydroelectric dams. It is one of the largest zero-emission energy sources in the world.

Asked if the Philippines could also achieve this, Prof. Wali remained optimistic that this would happen, but planning should start early.

“Hindi ko makita kung bakit hindi. The challenge is how do you integrate this into your existing system? Kasi hindi mo naman pwedeng overnight (…) hindi naman ganun kabilis makakapasok yung all the will to implement the project,” he said.

“Let there just be a transition in that direction. Yung nga lang, ang focus natin is yung anong renewable energy nandyan, available in satin and yun ay murang i-explore.

(“I don’t see why not. The challenge now is how to integrate it into the existing system. Since it can’t be done overnight (…) it’s not that fast to roll out all the projects you want to replace,” he said.

“In fact, there is hope for a just transition. The key is to focus on what renewable energy sources are available to us and can be used at an affordable price.)

Atty. Dimalanta also noted that from the 1930s to the 1970s, the Philippines primarily relied on 100% renewable energy before shifting to a mix of renewables and fossil fuels. Large dams and geothermal power plants played a significant role during this period, contributing to the development of the energy system and keeping it relatively stable.

“Kung ganong classeng renewable energy sources yung Dadami sa system natin, I am sure this will make a significant contribution not only to the power system as a whole but to the economy as a whole,” she said.

(“If the number of this type of renewable energy sources increases in our system, I am sure it will make a significant contribution not only to the electricity system, but to the entire economy”).

The roundtable series is an important reminder that while there are challenges, there are also opportunities. Through research, investment and collaboration, the Philippines can rise to the occasion if we start planning for the future today.

Watch the third roundtable episode “Strengthening Power: Weather Disasters in the Energy Transition” here:

*This roundtable discussion was recorded on August 20, 2024.

– Rappler.com