Today, there is growing consensus that the clean energy transition must go hand in hand with energy security and affordability. Given the role of evolving geopolitical dynamics in shaping the energy supply landscape of the Indo-Pacific which impact production, distribution, and market prices, it is crucial for countries like the Philippines to tackle energy transition with full consideration of this broader context.  

The Philippines is actively transitioning towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy sector through the integration of clean energy sources. The Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 aims to achieve 50% power generation from renewable energy sources by 2040. With a power generation sector that is almost entirely privately owned, the energy transition in the Philippines is bound to be a complex challenge. It also presents a unique opportunity to attract investment and incentivize the private sector to drive growth and development in renewables, while incentivizing the retirement and/or repurposing of coal-fired power plants. 

In these efforts, investments and partnerships from key private sector stakeholders and like-minded countries are crucial. Canada is among the countries playing an increasingly important role in supporting the Philippines in its energy transition ambitions through development assistance, both bilateral and multilateral, and commercial solutions. In line with this, the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Canada to the Philippines and Natural Resources Canada, organized the Philippines-Canada Forum on Energy Transition. This was held on December 6, 2024 (Friday) from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (PHT) at the Conservatory, The Peninsula Manila Hotel, Makati City. 

This Forum was strategically timed to coincide with the largest ever trade mission from Canada to the Philippines, involving senior representatives and officials from companies, associations and government. In drawing notable participants from the trade mission, the Forum convened key public and private stakeholders from Canada and the Philippines to explore collaborative opportunities on policy, technology and practices related to the Philippines energy transition agenda.