Renewable Energy in the Philippines: Powering the Future Without Draining the Planet

 

Renewable Energy in the Philippines: Powering the Future Without Draining the Planet

The Philippines heavily relies on fossil fuels for energy. As the economy grew, more coal and diesel were needed to keep up with the growing demand for electricity. In 2008, the Philippines passed the Renewable Energy Act. This law marked a big change in how the country supports renewable energy and is seen as a key reason for making renewable energy more popular in the Philippines.

What is Renewable Energy?

With all the talk about renewable energy, you might wonder: what exactly is renewable energy? Renewable energy comes from natural resources that replenish faster than we use them. Unlike fossil fuels—like coal, oil, and gas—which take millions of years to form, renewable sources can be replenished quickly and sustainably.

 

Examples of Renewable Energy Sources in the Philippines

The Philippines uses five main types of renewable energy sources: Geothermal, Solar, Wind, Hydro, and Biomass. These energy sources help meet the growing demand for electricity in the country.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy taps into the earth's natural heat to produce electricity. The word "geothermal" comes from "geo" (earth) and "thermal" (heat). Wells are drilled deep into the earth to reach underground reservoirs. These wells extract steam, which spins a turbine and generates electricity. Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy can provide full power 24 hours a day, making it a reliable energy source.

Solar Energy

As long as the sun shines, we have a reliable source of energy. Solar energy is one of the most popular renewable sources in the Philippines. Solar technology has become more affordable, making it accessible for homes. Solar power plants capture sunlight using solar panels that create direct current (DC) electricity. This is then converted to alternating current (AC) power, which is used by consumers. Rooftop solar systems work on the same principle, but on a smaller scale.

Wind Energy

Wind turbines are perfect for areas with steady winds, like Ilocos Norte, where turbines line the shorelines and hilltops. The wind turns large blades, which are connected to a generator to produce electricity. When combined with solar farms, wind farms can maximize the renewable energy potential of an area.

Hydro Energy

Hydropower uses the natural movement of water from higher to lower elevations to generate electricity. It is the second-largest renewable energy source in the Philippines after geothermal. Dams store water, creating a flow that drives turbines and generates electricity.

Biomass

Biomass is a less common renewable energy source in the Philippines, but it is equally important. Biomass uses organic by-products to generate electricity. Common biomass fuels include coconut husks, rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, and wood chips. Some sugar mills in the Philippines even use their sugarcane by-products to generate electricity for their operations.

The Philippine Energy Mix

The chart below shows how much each renewable energy source contributes to the overall energy mix in the Philippines. 

The key to meeting the country’s growing energy demand lies in diversity. By continuing to explore and invest in geothermal, solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, the Philippines can maintain steady economic growth.

A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

As we experience the destructive effects of climate change, the Philippines is committed to reducing global carbon emissions. This is reflected in the country’s efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy market. In line with this, the Department of Energy aims for renewable energy to account for 50% of the country’s total energy mix by 2040—a goal we can all hope to achieve in the coming years

Related Topics: What is Geothermal Energy and How it is Harnessed?