Regulatory Engagement in the Philippines

ClientEarth’s Energy Systems, Asia team met with Philippine policymakers and civil society organisations last September 2023 where the discussions were focused on energy regulation. Together with TransitionZero, a non-profit climate analytics organisation, we provided legal, policy and technical input for the acceleration of renewable energy (RE) deployment and for the country’s energy transition.

The energy transition involves shifting how electricity is generated—from fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil, to renewable sources like the sun and wind—and also maximising the potential of energy efficiency and conservation measures to keep energy demand increases at bay. This shift is vital because, in the context of the Philippines, it increases energy security through a higher share from indigenous energy sources, lowers energy costs and shields consumers from fluctuating commodity prices, creates thousands of jobs, enables the country to meet its climate change commitments, reduces pollution of the environment, and protects people’s health.

The transition is possible and promising in the case of the Philippines. The World Bank has estimated that the potential of the country, just counting offshore wind, stands at 178 GW, over six times the current energy generation capacity. Nevertheless, the energy transition has its fair share of challenges such as the expansion and upgrade of the transmission grid, infrastructure needed to accommodate offshore wind, upskilling of the workforce, and costs associated with the transition, all of which must be addressed while ensuring continuous supply of energy.

ClientEarth will continue its efforts in the Philippines to contribute to a just and sustainable energy transition aligned with the country’s development goals.

Guillermo Ramo, an energy lawyer at ClientEarth, notes: “The Philippines stands at a pivotal moment to design a transition to a clean energy system that enhances energy security and lowers energy costs for Filipinos, whilst contributing to the fulfilment of the Philippines’ climate targets. It was great to see the interest of the authorities in accelerating and removing the barriers to RE deployment given the country’s enormous RE potential.  It was also encouraging to witness civil society organisations play a key role in supporting and encouraging the government to make the energy transition a reality.”  

ClientEarth’s energy transition work in the Philippines is led by Tim Guanzon and Joyce Melcar Tan, Philippine-qualified lawyers, drawing on our broader international expertise and in partnership with climate analytics non-profit TransitionZero.