A recent study by global energy think tank Ember emphasizes the need for the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations to accelerate their renewable energy (RE) transitions in light of shifting U.S. trade policies. The U.S. has imposed tariffs up to 3,521 percent on solar panels from countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, which supply over three-quarters of the solar modules used in the U.S.
The Ember report says that ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, have over 99 percent of their wind and solar potential untapped. The region has approximately 30,523 GW of solar and 1,383 GW of wind potential, yet only 27 GW of solar and 6.8 GW of wind capacity were installed by 2022. This underutilization presents a significant opportunity for the Philippines to lead in clean energy development.
Experts suggest that the Philippines, with over 300 GW of untapped RE potential, is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Gerry Arances of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development notes that the country can attract significant investments by focusing on localized clean energy development and supply chain resilience.
The Department of Energy reports that as of the end of 2024, RE accounted for 31.4 percent of the country’s total energy mix, with plans to increase this share to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050. Ember’s findings underscore the importance of accelerating the RE transition to enhance energy security and economic resilience in the face of global trade uncertainties.
In summary, the report says the Philippines has a unique opportunity to lead Southeast Asia’s clean energy transition by leveraging its vast untapped renewable resources and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. By doing so, it can enhance energy security, attract investments, and contribute to regional climate goals.
