The Philippines has reached near-universal electricity access, but challenges remain in tracking small-scale renewable energy (RE) systems, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

In its report titled, “Transforming Energy Systems for a Low-Carbon Future in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Trends Report on Energy for Sustainable Development” released on September 3, UNESCAP said the rapid growth of self-installed, small-scale renewable systems presents major data challenges. Monitoring and collecting information on these installations has proven difficult, particularly in isolated regions, and this hinders effective planning and integration into the broader energy transition.

Citing World Bank data from 2023, the UN body said countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Fiji are close to achieving full electrification. Across Asia-Pacific, electricity access climbed from 80 percent in 2000 to nearly 99 percent in 2023, a leap largely driven by national grid expansion, deployment of off-grid solar solutions, and government-backed programs.

UNESCAP said this progress slowed during the pandemic due to supply chain disruptions and rising costs but has since regained momentum. Bangladesh, Cambodia, and the Philippines were singled out for steady improvements after 2020.

The Philippines is also recognized as a regional leader in geothermal energy alongside Indonesia. With 1,932 megawatts of installed geothermal capacity in 2022, the country generated more than 10 percent of its total electricity from geothermal sources. Beyond power generation, geothermal energy provided industrial heat for food processing, aquaculture, and district heating. The Department of Energy has proposed new incentives to attract investment in geothermal fields with the aim of expanding capacity by 2030.

What steps should the Philippines take to strengthen the role of small-scale renewable energy in building a sustainable future?

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