In 2024, the Philippines' electricity consumption is predominantly fueled by fossil sources, making up nearly 78% of the total. Coal alone accounts for a significant majority at over 62%, with gas adding almost another 15%. Clean or low-carbon sources contribute the remaining portion, which is just over a fifth of the total energy mix. Among these, hydropower constitutes close to 9%, geothermal energy contributes a bit over 8%, and solar sits at around 3%. These figures highlight the heavy reliance on fossil fuels and underscore the need for a shift towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Philippines?
Electricity consumption in the Philippines is on an upward trajectory, as evidenced by the 2024 figures which show an increase to 1045 kWh per person from the previous record of 975 kWh per person in 2023. This rise indicates a growing demand for electricity, likely driven by economic growth and increased electrification needs. However, it's disheartening to note that low-carbon electricity consumption has decreased since its peak in 2000, with the latest figures showing a drop to 231 kWh per person from 244 kWh per person. This stagnation in clean energy usage highlights the opportunity and need to focus on increasing sustainable electricity generation to support future needs while addressing environmental concerns.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity production, the Philippines can draw on lessons from regions that successfully leverage solar, wind, and nuclear energy. For instance, Nevada and California in the U.S. generate approximately a third of their electricity from solar power. Similarly, countries like France and Slovakia have achieved impressive advancements in nuclear energy generation, utilizing it for over 60% of their electricity needs. Emulating these strategies, the Philippines should consider significantly ramping up its solar and nuclear energy capabilities to enhance energy security, diversify its energy portfolio, and move towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, the Philippines’ development of low-carbon electricity has faced fluctuations, especially in hydropower and geothermal energy. The 1990s saw a mix of gains and losses in hydropower, with geothermal energy receiving a boost around 1998 and 1999. The early 2000s saw a downturn in geothermal electricity, while gradual increases in hydropower marked the 2006 and 2011 periods. More recently, solar energy has shown promise, with a notable increase in 2016 and another rise in 2024. These patterns underscore the potential for growth in solar energy, which, along with nuclear, should be at the forefront of the Philippines' electricity strategy in the coming decades.
