COMMENTARY | Why the Philippines needs a balanced energy mix – now more than ever

MANILA, Philippines — Imagine a hot, sweaty day. The air is thick with humidity and the city that never sleeps is plunged into darkness.

Businesses are forced to close early, hospitals rely on backup generators, and families sweat through another night without fans or air conditioning. This isn't a scene from a horror film; it's the reality of perennial power outages across the Philippines, a glaring reminder of the country's urgent need for a more reliable and resilient energy sector.

While the Philippines strives for a sustainable energy future, the present demands a pragmatic approach.

Frequent power shortages and rising electricity costs paralyze businesses and disrupt daily life. The depletion of the Malampaya gas field, which currently supplies 19% of the country's energy, is threatening our energy security. Without a viable replacement, the nation risks even more widespread energy instability.

Adding to the consumer's burden are the yearly red and yellow alerts indicating a thin power supply unable to meet the rising demand. As of May 2024, peak electricity requirements are projected to reach 13,917 MW in Luzon, 2,834 MW in Visayas, and 2,584 MW in Mindanao.

Can the Philippines keep the lights on while transitioning to cleaner energy sources?

While solar and wind power hold immense promise, they can't currently serve as the backbone of the Philippine energy grid. Why? Because they are intermittent sources that are dependent on weather conditions. On cloudy days or calm days, their output drops significantly, especially during periods of peak demand.

This isn't to say we should abandon renewable energy—far from it! But we need to be realistic about its current limitations. Advancements in battery storage technology are underway, but they remain expensive and require significant investment.

Vietnam's approach to energy development provides a compelling example for the Philippines.

Facing similar challenges of rapid economic growth, Vietnam has strategically utilized coal and gas-fired power plants to provide baseload stability while simultaneously fostering the growth of renewable energy sources. This strategy has led to significant progress, with