As a developing country, the energy sector plays a crucial role in meeting the power and electricity needs of the growing population and increasing economic activities. Notably, the Philippines has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal, accounting for about 58% of the country’s energy mix in recent years. However, recognizing the urgency to address climate change, global warming, and their associated risks, the country has grown in demand for clean and sustainable energy sources.

While significant progress has been made in expanding renewable energy access, there are still challenges to the energy transition that the country faces. Funding for renewables, especially for medium-sized developers, remains challenging. Electric cooperatives and distribution utilities face challenges in shifting power sources or integrating their renewable power due to existing long-term contracts and bottlenecks. Moreover, the current grid infrastructure is not adequately equipped to accommodate the increased penetration of variable renewable energy sources.

Despite these challenges, the Philippines is still making significant progress, particularly in the mainstreaming of renewable energy (RE) technologies, driven by the private sector’s investments and the national government’s push for a sustainable and low-carbon energy transition.

By increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, the Philippines can achieve a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient energy system. This would allow the sector to significantly contribute to the national goal of reducing greenhouse emissions by 75%. Moreover, integrating a distributed and decentralized renewable energy system can provide cost-effective and sustainable electricity solutions, particularly in remote and underserved communities. This system, when integrated with energy storage technologies, can provide fast backup power during calamities, enhancing the resilience of the energy supply.

In this context, the Stratbase ADR Institute, and its partner, the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST), organized a town hall discussion carrying the theme, “Powering the Future: Accelerating Grid Modernization for Energy Security and Sustainable Development”, on 13 November 2023, Monday, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (PHT).

This event aimed to bring together key stakeholders from the public, private, and civil organizations to highlight the need for grid modernization in the Philippines by integrating renewable energy technologies. The event emphasized the relevance of renewable energy in achieving energy security and resiliency, fostering economic development, and contributing to the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Program

Opening Remarks

Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit
President, Stratbase ADR Institute

Keynote Address

Hon. Sharon Garin
Undersecretary, Department of Energy

Panel 1: Philippine Renewable Energy Situation

Realizing Philippine Sustainable Energy Agenda: Optimization of Available Renewable Energy Resources
Hon. Mylene Capongcol
Assistant Secretary, National Renewable Energy Program,
Department of Energy (DOE)

Modernizing Philippine Energy Grid System: Presentation of the September 2023 Survey Results on Renewable Energy
Dr. Ronald Holmes
President, Pulse Asia Research, Inc.

Stratbase ADR Institute Occasional Paper: “Reforming NGCP Operations: Towards a Secure, Sustainable, and Equitable Energy Future for the Philippines”
Atty. James Mark “Terry” Ridon
Convenor, Infrawatch PH;
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute

Ensuring Philippines’ Effective Transition Towards Variable Renewable Energy Utilization
Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago
Associate Professor, Department of Economics,
Ateneo de Manila University

Panel 2: Moving Forward with Renewable Energy

Atty. Jose “Jay” Layug, Jr.
President, Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc. (DREAM)

Mr. Raymond Ravelo
First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer;
Head, Strategic Business Development,
Manila Electric Company (Meralco)

Atty. Karry Sison
Co-Convenor, Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3)

Atty. Pedro “Pete” Maniego, Jr.
Senior Policy Advisor, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC);
Incoming Chairman and President, Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)

Closing Remarks

Engr. Felix Jose Vitangcol
Secretary-General, Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST)

Moderator:
Ms. Nazrin Camille Castro
Manager, Climate Reality Project (CRP) Philippines