In a recent report by energy think tank Ember, the Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s top ten economies heavily reliant on coal-fired power, surpassing Indonesia and China. This ranking underscores the challenges the country faces in achieving its ambitious green energy targets.
According to Ember’s data, in 2023, coal accounted for a significant 61.92% of all electricity generated in the Philippines, marking a notable increase from 59.07% in 2022. This upward trend marks the fifteenth consecutive year of rising coal dependency, despite the Philippine government’s goal to reduce coal’s share to less than half of total power output by 2030.
Ember’s findings place the Philippines as the 7th highest coal-dependent nation globally, following Kosovo, Mongolia, South Africa, India, and Kazakhstan. This position highlights the country’s substantial reliance on coal amid global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
The Philippines has ambitious plans to bolster its renewable energy capacity, aiming to double solar installations and triple wind power by 2030. It is banking on the rapid expansion of offshore wind farms to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on coal.
Meanwhile, Indonesia, previously ranked 8th in coal dependence, continues to favor coal as its primary energy source despite efforts to boost renewables. In contrast, China, once a top player in coal power, has dropped out of the top 10 due to significant advancements in renewable energy adoption.
Ember noted that both Indonesia and the Philippines lag behind their ASEAN neighbors in deploying wind and solar technologies, citing cost-related challenges. The Philippines, in particular, has struggled to ramp up renewable energy capacity due to financial constraints.
Despite these challenges, Ember’s report indicates a global shift towards cleaner energy, with many nations reducing coal’s share in electricity generation. However, countries like the Philippines highlight the complexities involved in balancing energy needs with environmental goals.
