Speaking at the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025 in Manila, Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara emphasized the urgent need for regional cooperation and systemic innovation to address the Philippines’ energy security challenges and accelerate the clean energy transition.

“Our energy mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels and, crucially, on imported energy,” Guevara told industry leaders and policymakers gathered at the Asian Development Bank on June 3. Imported sources account for 54% of the country’s total primary energy supply, with coal alone making up 63% of electricity production—83% of which is imported. “In 2024, 99.5% of that imported coal came from a single source,” she warned.

To counteract this vulnerability, the Philippines is aiming to raise renewables to 35% of the generation mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040. While current renewable energy contributes 22% of power generation, the share of solar and wind remains modest at just over 3%.

“Innovation is imperative,” Guevara stressed. She laid out a three-pronged strategy focused on technology, finance, and governance. On the technology front, she highlighted the country’s pioneering efforts in naturally-occurring hydrogen and managing renewables’ intermittency through grid-forming inverters and smart infrastructure.

In terms of financial innovation, Guevara underscored the importance of engaging banks in reducing risks and enabling clean energy investment. “We urge financial institutions to explore innovative deal structures that reduce dependence on long-term offtake agreements,” she said, while also calling attention to a Geothermal De-risking Facility being finalized in partnership with ADB and Land Bank.

Governance remains a critical pillar. “Markets do not always function perfectly,” Guevara said, citing sluggish transmission infrastructure growth and calling for stronger oversight. “The government must be prepared to intervene when market failures occur.”

Looking ahead, she pointed to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative as a transformative opportunity. “Power flows across borders can reduce supply disruptions and unlock synergies—particularly for renewable energy as we harmonize the geographical differences that dictate availability.”

As the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, Guevara’s call was clear: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. May we continue to walk forward—together—toward our clean energy future.”

What are your thoughts on the Undersecretary’s call for greater regional cooperation and innovation in energy governance? Join the conversation and share how these developments may impact your organization or sector.

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