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| 10 Energy Sources Powering the Philippines—How Many Do You Know? |
Did you know that the Philippines has ten types of energy sources? Each of these power generating plants spread across the country, supplying electricity to cities, towns, and even remote rural communities.
The diversity of energy sources helps the country meet its growing electricity demands. As the Philippines moves forward, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation, these energy sources play a crucial role in shaping the future.
Types of Energy Sources in the Philippines
There are three main categories of energy sources in the country:
- Non-Renewable Energy Sources
- Renewable Energy Sources
- Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
The oldest energy sources are non-renewables, which come from fossil fuels. These are categorized into three types:
Coal. Coal is the biggest energy source in the Philippines, supplying over 60% of the country’s electricity needs. While criticized for its contribution to greenhouse gases, coal remains essential for maintaining stable, round-the-clock power—a key requirement for economic growth.
Natural Gas. Gas turbines are massive, high-tech powerhouses that many people overlook. There are only five natural gas turbine power plants in the Philippines, but they generate 14% of the country's electricity. These plants burn natural gas at intense temperatures, creating the energy needed to turn turbines. The Department of Energy considers natural gas a transition fuel as the country shifts toward greener energy sources.
Oil-Based Power Plants. A common example of oil-based energy is diesel power plants. They operate similarly to coal plants but use liquid fuel instead of solid coal. Diesel power plants are mostly used as backup power sources, especially in remote areas with limited grid access. Since diesel is expensive, it only contributes 0.3% to the country’s electricity supply.
Renewable Energy Sources (RE)
Renewable energy uses naturally replenished sources to generate electricity. These sources emit less carbon and help combat climate change. The Philippine government aims to increase renewable energy to 50% by 2040. The five main types of renewable energy in the country are:
Geothermal Energy. The Philippines is a global leader in geothermal power. This energy comes from heat trapped beneath the Earth’s surface. Wells, drilled as deep as 2 kilometers, extract steaming hot fluid that turns turbines, generating electricity.
Solar Energy. Solar energy is accessible and widely used. Solar panels capture the sun’s intense heat, converting it into electricity. These systems are great for large-scale power plants and small homes alike. Many people use solar lamps for affordable and reliable lighting.
Wind Energy. The Philippines is actively exploring wind power, with offshore wind farms planned to help meet the 50% renewable target. Wind turbines harness the power of moving air, spinning blades that turn generators to produce electricity. If you've visited Ilocos Norte, you might have seen the towering wind turbines dotting the coastline.
Hydro Energy. Hydropower uses the force of flowing water to generate electricity. Large dams store rushing water, which spins turbines, producing a steady and powerful energy supply. Unlike solar and wind, hydropower can provide electricity 24/7.
Biomass Energy. Though less common than other renewables, biomass power plants turn organic waste into fuel. Materials like coconut husks, rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and wood chips are burned to generate electricity. Some sugar mills even produce their own power using sugarcane by-products.
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Energy Storage Systems help stabilize electricity supply by storing excess power during off-peak hours and releasing it when demand is high. The most common ESS technology is the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which uses large-scale batteries to improve power plant efficiency and grid reliability.
Pros and Cons of Non-Renewable Energy
✅ Reliable Power Supply – Non-renewable energy has powered the Philippines for decades, ensuring a steady and accessible electricity source.
✅ Established Infrastructure – Many trained workers and resources are available to operate and maintain non-renewable power plants.
❌ High Fuel Costs – The Philippines imports most of its fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and diesel). This makes the country vulnerable to price spikes, like the 2022 coal crisis when Indonesia temporarily halted exports.
❌ Environmental Impact – Non-renewable plants have high carbon emissions, contributing to climate change and pollution.Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy
✅ Abundant & Sustainable – Solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal don’t need to be imported. The Philippines naturally has strong sun, wind, and geothermal resources.
✅ Eco-Friendly – Renewable energy has a low carbon footprint and produces minimal pollution compared to fossil fuels.
❌ Intermittency Issues – Some renewables depend on weather. Thick clouds can reduce solar output, and winds can die down unexpectedly.
❌ Location Dependent – Not all areas are suitable for solar farms, wind turbines, geothermal wells, or hydro dams. This limits where renewable plants can be built.Energy Sources and Their Locations
Here are some power plants in the Philippines and their capacities:
- Coal – Sual Power Station, Pangasinan (1,294 MW)
- Natural Gas – Ilijan Power Plant, Batangas (1,200 MW)
- Geothermal – Palinpinon I Geothermal Power Plant, Negros Oriental (112.5MW)
- Wind – Bangui Wind Farm, Ilocos Norte (150 MW)
- Solar – Cadiz Solar Power Plant, Negros Occidental (132 MW)
- Hydro – Agus Hydroelectric Complex, Lanao del Norte (700 MW)
- Biomass – San Jose Biomass Power Plant, Nueva Ecija (20 MW)
For a complete list of power plants, energy sources and their locations, in the Philippines, please visit here.
The Philippines is working toward a sustainable energy future by balancing renewable and non-renewable sources. With new technologies and policies, the country aims to lower electricity costs and reduce environmental damage, ensuring a brighter future for all Filipinos.
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