In the Philippines, the landscape of electricity generation in 2025 shows a heavy dependence on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity being derived from coal, making it the largest source of power in the nation. Fossil energy as a whole accounts for approximately 75% of the electricity generation. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources contribute a quarter of the electricity generation, with hydropower being the most significant clean source at roughly 11%, followed by geothermal at about 8%. Solar and biofuels make up a smaller portion, with solar energy contributing close to 4% and biofuels just over 1%. This distribution highlights the substantial room for growth in low-carbon electricity to minimize the negative impacts of fossil fuels on 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?
Looking at electricity consumption trends, there is a slight decrease in the per capita consumption in 2025, with the latest figure standing at 1027 kWh/person. This represents a decline of 18 kWh/person compared to the record set in 2024. Despite this dip, there is a positive development in low-carbon electricity generation, with the per capita figure increasing by 13 kWh. This suggests that while overall electricity consumption has seen a minor decrease, the shift towards cleaner energy sources is encouraging. Nonetheless, the flat growth or minor decline in overall consumption is a concern, especially with the demands of electrification and technology growth, which require a robust increase in clean electricity generation.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, the Philippines can draw lessons from regions that have successfully harnessed nuclear and solar power. France and Slovakia are prime examples of countries heavily relying on nuclear energy, generating more than 65% of their electricity from this stable and low-carbon source. Meanwhile, regions like Nevada and California showcase the potential of solar energy, with contributions around 30%. The Philippines should consider expanding both solar and nuclear capacities, as these sources can significantly reduce fossil fuel dependence and enhance sustainable energy growth. Implementing policies that encourage the development of these clean energy infrastructures will be vital in supporting the transition to a more sustainable electricity mix.
History
Historically, the Philippines has seen varied developments in low-carbon electricity generation. In the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, hydropower experienced several fluctuations, with notable growth interspersed with occasional declines. The late 1990s marked a period of growth in geothermal energy, although this growth was not consistent, experiencing a decline in the early 2000s. More recently, there has been positive momentum in solar power, especially between 2016 and 2024, with the most recent developments in 2025 showing a significant increase in hydropower generation. These historical trends underscore the need for stable growth in low-carbon sources, particularly solar and nuclear, ensuring a reliable and sustainable electricity future for the Philippines.
