Efficiency and protection are essential to obtaining energy security, recent Business World Insights Forum notes
Written by Bjorn Biel M. Beltran,,,,, Special Features and Content Assistant Editor
The energy industry is the core of civilization. Agriculture harnessed the power of the sun and gave the first people the roots. The fire brought warmth and community, and then ultimately war and conquest. The industrial revolution powered by coal and steam redefines what humans can build, move, and imagine. Even language reflects this primacy: we call energy “fuel” because energy actually fuels human progress.
Therefore, ensuring that this energy is related to ensuring sustained and sustained progress. For the Philippines, continuing steady economic growth in the context of a young and talented workforce, maintaining stable and affordable energy supply is a key goal of the government.
“The rate at which our economy grows requires responsiveness and forward thinking – the quality we need to explore when we determine how to adapt to economic changes and enhance our capabilities,” said Antonio Mariano C. Almeida, administrator of the National Electrification Administration.
Energy security is an all-out effort, and Mr. Almeida recognizes the power of solidarity and cooperation among different sectors of the country to ensure that all Filipinos benefit from progress.
“While the purpose of fully encouraging the country is a daunting effort, we are fortunate to find reliable partners in the public and private sectors to support us. By collaborating, we can accelerate the expansion of rural electrification projects to reach more communities, especially those in poor areas,” he said.
Ernesto O. Silvano, associate manager of Technical Services at Engineering NEA, followed up on this speech to discuss “Challenges and Opportunities in the Energy Supply Chains 2025.”
“Today, as we drive a rapidly changing energy industry, climate change, technological disruption, global market volatility and growing population demand, our mission must evolve and respond with greater urgency and purpose,” Silvano said.
Optimize the power grid
To perform this mission, the Philippines is in a better position than many other countries in the world. Alexander D. Ablaza, president of the Philippines Energy Efficiency Alliance, said the country has some of the most inclusive and comprehensive energy frameworks.
For example, the Philippines Energy Plan is a comprehensive long-term energy blueprint for the current government, including providing an active renewable energy (RE) and institutionalized energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) to the entire government; suspension of new coal projects; mechanisms that allow foreign ownership under the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA); restoration of indigenous oil and gas exploration; introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolios; establishing strategic oil reserves; and exploring new energy sources such as green hydrogen.
To address energy security, Mr. Ablaza called for a “paragraph shift” and how to conduct a dialogue around the topic.
“Whenever we talk about clean energy and sustainable energy, we should keep that balance in renewable energy, as this will take us into 2050’s path,” he said in a panel discussion at the forum.
Mr. Ablaza also quoted 28's phone numberTh Meeting of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to aim for energy efficiency development by 2030.
“Energy efficiency should be considered as an infrastructure asset class and should be prepared for public partnership transactions,” he said, adding that optimizing capital processes from investors to energy services companies could be the next step towards the future of energy security.
Emmanuel “Manny” V. Rubio, president and CEO of Meralco Powergen Corp. (MGEN), agreed, saying the country currently has enough supply to sustain its current progress, but stressed that preparations should be made for further preparations.
“The Philippines is entering an era of growth, with our population over 115 million people, energy demand is rapidly increasing, while urbanization, economic expansion and growing standards of living,” he said.
Meanwhile, he noted that the government’s goal is to have a 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and by 2040, as part of the Philippines’ energy program, the government’s goal is to have a 50% target.
“It's very radical, but I think what we're seeing right now is doing, I think that's possible,” he said. “Hopefully we won't use diesel anymore. In fact, we've revoked a lot of diesel plants because we believe we won't need them.”
Currently, Mr Rubio believes that the Philippines has not yet committed to achieving its long-term net zero goal is prudent, as the current energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables is a delicate balancing act. The high variability of renewable energy is a problem that is still being solved. As the country awaits better technical solutions, he said the focus should be redirected to easier targets.
“One of the lowest hanging fruits in the energy industry is energy saving. Always say the cheapest plants are plants you don't have to build. You don't have to build something you don't need,” he said.
Building a power plant, renewable energy or other means requires substantial investment and time: in capital expenditure, land use, regulatory barriers and long lead times. He noted that energy conservation and efficiency can optimize the country's current supply, so there is no need for more plants.
“Ambitions require action and of course a realistic plan to align everything that needs to be considered. So action needs to be consistent, and we make our mission to power the future by developing and diversifying energy mix that balances renewable energy, transitional fuels like LNG, such as LNG, and reliable coal, while available availability, can provide available capabilities and good stability and good stability.
As Meralco's power generation division, MGEN has a total of 2,602 megawatts (MW) from traditional and renewable energy sources. The company is currently developing a project now called Merra Solar, which consists of a 3500 MW solar power plant and a 4,500 MW battery (MWH) battery storage system.
As the Philippines develops into a new era of growth, it is clear that the path forward is no longer just to find more power, but to use it wisely. The country is on the cusp of economic transformation and now it must reassess how it is close to its capabilities. At this point, energy conservation and efficiency are the key pillars of national development.
“The path to energy security is not without challenges through forward-looking solutions, collective efforts and a strong commitment to serving, but we can build a resilience, inclusive and future-proof energy sector.”
this BusinessWorld Insights Forum WAS proposes BusinessWorld Publishing companies and sponsors MGEN and Semirara Mining and Electricity Company. Partner Organization Asia Consulting Group,,,,, American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines,,,,, British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines,,,,, Philippine Bank Marketing Association,,,,, CCI France Philippines,,,,, Philippine Management Association,,,,, Philippine Chamber of Commerce,,,,, Philippines Franchise Associationand Philippine Retailers Association; With official media partners Philippine stars.
