The Philippines’ coal consumption continues to rise, driven by growing power demand despite the government’s push for renewable energy.
In a report by the Philippine Star, the International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that coal use in the Philippines likely increased by 5% in 2024 to 42 million tons, up from 40 million tons in 2023.
The IEA projects the Philippines’ coal consumption will reach 47 million tons within three years, citing a robust economic outlook and rising electricity demand.
The IEA highlighted that despite the projected surge in renewable energy generation, the rapid growth in electricity demand is expected to outstrip this expansion.
The Department of Energy (DOE) expects peak power demand to grow 5.3% annually until 2028.
Currently, coal accounts for 62% of the country’s power generation, while renewables contribute just 22%.
Semirara Mining and Power Corporation aims to produce 16 million tons in 2024 and plans to invest $5 billion to expand its coal mining operations.
In 2023, the Philippines ranked as Southeast Asia’s third-largest coal consumer, accounting for 9% of the region’s total 457 million tons. It trailed behind Indonesia (48%) and Vietnam (21%) but slightly edged out Malaysia (8%).
For 2024, ASEAN coal consumption likely increased by 8% to 491 million tons, according to the IEA. The report highlighted the region’s sustained economic momentum, bolstered by the active construction of several coal-fired power plants.
The IEA expects ASEAN coal demand to grow 5% annually, reaching 567 million tons by 2027.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara noted that more coal-fired power plants are set to begin operations in the Philippines over the next three years.
She clarified that these projects were approved before the 2020 coal moratorium, which barred applications for new Greenfield coal facilities.
Guevara added that offshore wind developments are projected to accelerate the rise of renewables, allowing them to overtake coal by 2028.
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