August 31, 2025
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Conventional plants still vital in PH energy shift –AboitizPower exec

  • August 30, 2025
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Conventional plants still vital in PH energy shift –AboitizPower exec

Conventional power remains essential to grid stability as the Philippines expands its renewable energy portfolio, a senior Aboitiz Power Corporation official said at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) 8th Annual Energy Forum.

Rolando “Don” Paulino, Chief Engineering & Projects Officer of AboitizPower’s Transition Business Group, told energy stakeholders that baseload capacity is needed to balance intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind.

“Conventional power provides the stability, flexibility, and reliability that will allow emerging technologies and cleaner sources to scale,” Paulino said. “Without it, the transition risks being unbalanced and unable to meet the country’s growing demand.”

The Department of Energy (DOE) projects Philippine electricity sales to rise from 91.3 terawatt-hours in 2022 to more than 400 terawatt-hours by 2050, growing at an annual average of 5.49%.

Panelists at the forum agreed that conventional power will remain critical as the country pursues its clean energy targets. AmCham Energy Committee Chairman Frank Thiel said, “Conventional energy still has a strong role to play. And it will continue to play a very strong role in the future.”

Black & Veatch Managing Director Yatin Premchand added, “The actual situation we see with respect to energy transition is that it’s a lot harder than any of us imagined. It’s not easy to go from convention to net zero.”

Paulino said the challenge lies not only in building new power plants but also in maximizing existing facilities to ensure a dependable supply while the grid prepares for greater renewable integration.

AboitizPower’s thermal portfolio includes GNPower Mariveles and GNPower Dinginin in Bataan, Therma Luzon in Quezon, Therma Visayas in Cebu, and Therma South in Davao del Sur.

The forum, which also featured DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin and Senate Energy Committee Vice Chair Sherwin Gatchalian, discussed aligning industry strategies with national policy to achieve a balanced energy future.

 How should the Philippines balance renewables with conventional power to meet growing demand? Join the conversation.

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