From July 2025 through June 2026, about three-quarters of electricity consumed in the Philippines came from fossil fuels, while only a quarter came from low-carbon sources. Coal dominated, supplying about 57% of electricity—more than half—followed by gas at roughly 17%. Among clean electricity sources, hydropower contributed around 11%, geothermal 8%, solar 4%, and wind 1%. This mix highlights a substantial opportunity to expand low-carbon electricity, particularly solar and nuclear, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Philippines?

The latest figures do not show electricity consumption reaching new heights. In 2026, consumption was about 1,001 kWh per person, roughly 43 kWh below the previous record of 1,045 kWh in 2024—a shortfall of about 4%. Low-carbon electricity generation also remained below its record: 251 kWh per person, compared with 257 kWh in 2025, a decrease of 6 kWh, or about 2%. These figures indicate a retreat from earlier peaks rather than record growth, although they do not establish the full year-to-year trend in total consumption. This is concerning: the Philippines needs growing electricity supplies, especially clean electricity, to support development, electrification, and rising demand from AI and other digital services.

Suggestions

The Philippines can increase clean electricity generation by expanding solar installations on rooftops and at utility scale, developing wind projects, strengthening electricity networks between islands, and pursuing nuclear electricity generation. Relevant examples include nearby South Korea, where nuclear supplies a quarter of electricity, and Pakistan, where solar supplies about 24% and nuclear another 13%. Sri Lanka’s 15% solar share offers another useful regional comparison. The US state of Hawaii, with solar supplying about 23%, provides an island-based example for solar expansion and grid planning. For wind, the island nation of Ireland generates about 35% of its electricity from this source. France, with roughly two-thirds of electricity from nuclear, demonstrates how nuclear can anchor a predominantly low-carbon electricity system. These regions offer lessons in sustained construction, supportive policy, and investment in grids and skilled workers.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in the Philippines shows repeated gains, particularly in hydropower and geothermal, alongside uneven progress. Hydropower increased by 1.3 TWh in 1984 and 1 TWh in 1988. In the late 1990s, it fell by 1 TWh in both 1997 and 1998 before rebounding by 2.8 TWh in 1999; geothermal grew by 1.7 TWh in each of 1998 and 1999 and another 1 TWh in 2000, followed by a 1.2 TWh decline in 2001. Hydropower fluctuated through the following years, gaining 1.6 TWh in 2006, falling 1.4 TWh in 2007, and recovering 1.3 TWh in 2008. A 2 TWh decline in 2010 was largely reversed by a 1.9 TWh increase in 2011. Later hydro gains of 1.5 TWh in 2017 and 2 TWh in 2021 were separated by a 1.4 TWh decline in 2019. More recently, solar added 1.2 TWh in 2024, while hydropower rose by 2.6 TWh in 2025 before falling by 1 TWh in 2026. Sustained solar and nuclear expansion would help turn these intermittent gains into lasting growth in clean electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.