The Philippines is cranking up its clean energy transition, adding more renewable capacity in 2024 than in the last three years combined, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

Full-year data showed the country added 794.34 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy (RE) capacity, outpacing the 759.82 MW installed in 2021, 2022 and 2023 combined.

RE capacity stood at 230.10 MW in 2021, 328.18 MW in 2022 and 201.54 MW in 2023.

Notably, the Net-Metering Program contributed about 141 MW from 2015 to 2024, while renewable energy projects for own use from 2009 to 2024 added at least 252 MW.

Unprecedented growth

“The unprecedented growth in renewable energy capacity last year is a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s renewable energy policies and the unwavering commitment of the administration,” Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said.

The DoE credited the surge to policy and regulatory enhancements, including the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop System, which has streamlined applications and permitting processes for energy projects.

Stronger mandates have also driven demand. The Renewable Portfolio Standards raised the minimum annual incremental RE requirement from 1 percent to 2.5 percent in 2023, accelerating investments in clean energy.

Falling technology costs have further fueled the shift.

Cheaper solar panels, driven by economies of scale and technological advances, have made renewables more competitive with fossil fuels.

Innovative financing mechanisms

To ensure these gains translate into actual power supply, the DoE is closely monitoring critical transmission projects and collaborating with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and multilateral agencies to develop innovative financing mechanisms for renewable energy and other low-carbon initiatives. It is also ramping up investment promotions abroad to attract foreign capital.

“With sustained collaboration, strategic investments and policy support, we are confident in achieving our target of increasing the renewable energy share in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040,” Lotilla said.

The DoE said it remains focused on strengthening energy security, attracting investments and ensuring a sustainable and resilient power sector.

Coal

Despite the reported surge in cleaner power sources, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines noted that as of January, coal remains the country’s primary energy source, though its share declined from 58.87 percent in December 2024 to 55 percent in January 2025.

Natural gas usage, on the other hand, increased from 15 percent to 17 percent over the same period.

Among RE sources, hydro generation recovered slightly, rising from 905 gigawatt-hours in December to 956 GWh in January.

Geothermal energy remained stable, accounting for 8 to 9 percent of total generation. Wind output saw a slight decline, while solar generation posted a marginal increase in January 2025.