Improved Philippine power grid will improve energy access: AboitizPower

Electricity demand is expected to grow 6.6% yearly until 2040.

Given the geographical and socio-economic disparities of the territory, the Philippines will need to boost and expand its power plants and networks for energy accessibility, said Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio.

In a statement, AboitizPower said Rubio reaffirmed in a panel discussion of the Asia Zero Emission Community the need for a “more sustainable, equitable, and secure” energy system in the Philippines but acknowledged the geographical limitations and expensive investments that can hold back the nation’s energy transformation.

A broader interconnected power grid will enable higher penetration of electricity, expediting its importation and exportation to neighbouring areas and islands with surplus generation.

However, as of June 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that around 2.454 million Filipino households have yet to be supplied with electricity. The electricity demand is also expected to increase by 6.6% annually until 2040.

As such the country would need to install 600 to 700 megawatts (MW) of new generation every year, Rubio said.

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“Collaboration between governments, private companies, and communities is key to financing and implementing energy transition projects. Researching and deploying next generation clean energy technologies can [also] accelerate the transition and improve efficiency,” Rubio added.