PH rejects coal dependence comparison with China, Indonesia

Manilla said there is a significant difference in the coal generation mix.

The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) said it is not correct to directly compare the country with large economies following an analysis by Ember that showed Manila as the most coal-dependent country, beating China and Indonesia. 

DOE cited January 2024 data from the Global Energy Monitor that showed China has an installed coal power plant capacity of 1,136.7 gigawatts (GW), Indonesia has 51.6 GW, and the Philippines has only 12.1 GW. 

Philippine authorities also noted there is evident difference in the gross generation mix from coal power plants. In 2021, China generated 5,417,848 gigawatt-hours (GWh) from coal, Indonesia generated 189,683 GWh, and the Philippines generated 65,052 GWh. 

“Even with the increase to 69,472 GWh in 2023, the Philippines’ figures remain significantly lower than those of China and Indonesia,” DOE added.

The government also cited the European Commission - Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) on GHG Emissions of All World Countries 2023 Report that showed China as the largest greenhouse gas emitter globally, contributing 29.2%. Indonesia ranked 7th with 2.3%, whilst the Philippines accounted for only 0.5%.

“Whilst the Philippines relies heavily on coal-fired power generation, the absolute amount of generation and corresponding emissions are minimal as compared to those of China and Indonesia,” DOE said.

“Therefore, the Philippines cannot be reasonably compared to these larger economies, which have different energy strategies and infrastructures adapted to their specific demographic and economic conditions,” it added.