Philippine Energy: Present And Future

Emmanuel Rubio, President and CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation, stressed the critical importance of addressing both current and future energy needs in the Philippines during his recent address at the Meralco Power Academy's "Giga Summit on Sustainable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and the Future Grid 2023.”

AboitizPower's President and CEO, Emmanuel Rubio, sheds light on the significance of sustainability in the energy sector, captivating the audience on the inaugural day of the historic Giga Summit hosted by Meralco Power Academy.

Rubio acknowledged that meeting today's energy requirements is a top priority, as it drives the nation's growth, sustains industries, and powers households.

“Meeting today's energy needs is imperative. It fuels our nation's growth, sustains our industries, and powers our homes,” said Rubio as he emphasized that the ongoing economic growth trajectory of the Philippines will continue to drive the demand for electricity.

To address the projected 6.6% annual growth in electricity demand, Aboitiz Power is committed to investing in renewable energy (RE).

Rubio cited the necessity of transitioning to a more sustainable energy future in alignment with the Philippine government's goal of achieving a 50% share of RE in the country's power generation mix by 2050.

“It is an opportunity for us to embrace the power of the sun, wind, and earth to meet our energy needs sustainably. By doing so, we preserve our environment, reduce emissions, and secure a cleaner energy landscape for future generations,” Rubio explained.

He stressed that this transition will take time and requires the development and maintenance of two distinct energy systems.

One system must ensure the reliable and sufficient supply of current energy needs, while the other must pave the way for cleaner and greener energy delivery over an extended period.

Aboitiz Power is actively considering a range of feasible energy options, including renewable and thermal sources, as well as energy storage technologies. They aim to reach at least 4,600 megawatts (MW) of RE capacity, constituting 50% of their generation portfolio within the next decade.

This commitment reflects their dedication to harnessing solar, wind, and geothermal energy to meet energy needs sustainably and reduce emissions for the benefit of future generations.

Currently, Aboitiz Power has nearly 1,000 MW of RE projects in the pipeline, including wind and solar farms and expanded geothermal capacities. They are also exploring base load capacities, such as liquefied natural gas, to complement variable RE sources.

Additionally, they are investigating small modular nuclear reactors for swift and scalable capacity deployment and flexibility.

Rubio emphasized the importance of embracing cutting-edge, clean, and zero-emissions technologies, recognizing that such advancements require substantial time for development, integration into local laws and regulations, social acceptance, and physical implementation.

“Sustainability demands that we explore and apply cutting-edge, clean, and zero-emissions technologies that require many years, if not decades, to gain traction, be written into local laws and regulations, earn social acceptance, followed by actual boots on the ground, power plants being built, and kilometers of transmission lines being strung,” Rubio said.

Given the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters, Rubio also stressed the need for resilient energy infrastructure across the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors.

“Our systems must withstand the natural and man-made disturbances and uncertainties our world presents, be it earthquakes, typhoons, or unforeseen socio-political turmoil. This resilience ensures that our energy remains accessible and available even in the face of adversity,” Rubio said.

In conclusion, Aboitiz Power, under the leadership of Emmanuel Rubio, is committed to meeting current energy demands while actively investing in sustainable, clean energy sources to secure a brighter and more environmentally friendly future for the Philippines. Their strategy takes into account not only the country's energy needs but also its long-term resilience and sustainability.

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