As the Philippines faces the call to adapt its energy systems, the question of future-proofing it looms large. While discussions focus on emerging innovations, are current projects already reshaping how we power our islands? Can an archipelagic country composed of diverse islands use the advances in renewable energy (RE) to prepare for the challenges ahead? 

The third and final episode of the “Powering up: Weathering calamities in the energy transition” roundtable discussion presented by AboitizPower and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) shares what it means to “use what is abundant to us” regarding the conversation on energy transition. 

The discussion was led by ECCP Energy Committee chairperson Ruth Yu-Owen. She was joined by fellow experts in the local energy sector: Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, former chairperson and CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC); and Professor Rowaldo “Wali” Del Mundo, associate dean of the College of Engineering at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

During the earlier episodes, the panelists agreed that the Philippines being an archipelago is a variable in designing uniform energy systems. Our geographic location also makes the country uniquely vulnerable to natural disasters, making energy resilience not just a goal, but a necessity.

Atty. Dimalanta began the conversation by reiterating that we should first start work on what we already have. She recalled how developing countries like the Philippines use what’s abundant in their land to give them an advantage in the energy transition.

“So what’s available to us? Marami tayong tubig, marami tayong solar, marami tayong geothermal, hangin. So kung masusulit natin lahat ng resources na meron tayo, lalo na kung libre itong resources na to. Bakit natin pipigilan yung sarili natin gamitin yung resources na yun?”

[“So what’s available to us? We have plenty of water, solar, geothermal (resources), and wind. So if we can maximize all the resources we have, especially since these are free, why should we stop ourselves from using them?”]

‘Just transition’ to renewables

With the Department of Energy planning to increase RE’s share in the national energy mix to 35% by 2030 through the Power Development Plan 2020-2040, Prof. Wali echoed the need for a “just transition” that brings together results with thorough research, systems, programs, and policies to effectively implement the energy transition while addressing social issues.

“The development of hydropower is included in the [energy] transition,” Prof. Wali said. “That’s important because it’s already established that hydro is the cheapest form of renewable energy. So, it would be better actually to maximize hydro. To me, it’s a question of planning.”

As an example, he shared how Brazil switched to hydropower and invested in related infrastructures in 2010, playing a major role in their lowered power generation rate and cheaper electricity, and contributing to the country’s economic gains.

Hydropower, also known as water power, is the use of the natural flow of water to produce electricity through the use of structures like hydroelectric dams. It is one of the largest zero-carbon energy sources in the world.

When asked if the Philippines can make that happen too, Prof. Wali remained optimistic that we can, but the planning should start early.

“Hindi ko makita kung bakit hindi. Ang challenge ngayon is how do we integrate it to an existing system? Kasi hindi mo naman pwedeng overnight […] hindi naman ganun kabilis makakapasok yung lahat ng gusto mong ipalit na project,” he said.

“May pag-asa pa actually ang just transition sa atin. Yung nga lang, ang focus natin ay yung anong renewable energy ang nandyan, available sa atin, at yun ay murang i-explore.”

[“I don’t see why not. The challenge now is how do we integrate it into the existing system. Because you can’t just do it overnight […] it’s not that quick to introduce all the projects you want to replace with,” he said.

“There’s actually hope for a just transition here. The key is just to focus on which renewable energy sources are available to us and which ones are affordable to explore.”]

Atty. Dimalanta also noted that from the 1930s to the 1970s, the Philippines primarily relied on 100% RE before transitioning to a mix of RE and fossil fuel. Large dams and geothermal plants played a significant role during this period, contributing to the energy system and keeping it relatively stable.

“Kung ganong klaseng renewables yung dadami sa system natin, ako confident ako that it will make a significant contribution in, not just in the power system as a whole, but in the economy as a whole,” she said.

[“If those kinds of renewables increase in our system, I’m confident that it will make a significant contribution, not just to the power system, but to the economy as a whole.”]

The roundtable series serves as a crucial reminder that while challenges exist, so do opportunities. Through research, investment, and collaboration, the Philippines can rise to the occasion if we start doing the planning for tomorrow, today.

Watch the “Powering up: Weathering calamities in the energy transition” roundtable episode 3 here: 

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*This roundtable discussion was recorded on August 20, 2024.

– Rappler.com