The Philippines is setting its sights on becoming a regional hub for clean energy exports, with Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla confirming that the country is exploring the sale of surplus renewable power to Taiwan and other Asian nations.
“This isn’t just about Taiwan,” Lotilla told reporters on May 15. “Other countries have also approached us, anticipating an oversupply in renewable energy from the Philippines.”
This initiative marks one of the most ambitious efforts in Asia to establish a cross-border clean energy trade—a vision long discussed but rarely realized due to complex political, regulatory, and technical barriers.
Negotiations with Taiwan are ongoing, while talks within Southeast Asia are progressing under the framework of the ASEAN Power Grid—a long-standing regional initiative aimed at interconnecting electricity networks among member states. For non-ASEAN countries like Taiwan, Lotilla said the Philippines will need to explore alternative regional frameworks to facilitate transmission.
Surging Renewable Ambitions
The Philippines has emerged as a clean energy frontrunner in Southeast Asia, backed by aggressive targets and investor-friendly reforms. The government aims to boost the share of renewable energy in its national power mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040. However, a surge in developer interest last year led to a temporary five-month freeze on processing new contracts as the Department of Energy managed an influx of applications.
Foreign interest is growing rapidly. Taiwan, in particular, is actively evaluating partnerships that would allow it to build renewable power facilities in the Philippines and import the electricity to power its export-driven economy. Taiwanese Economic Minister Kuo Jyh-huei has noted that green energy imports from the Philippines could provide manufacturers with low-carbon power at competitive rates—estimated under NT$5 (17 U.S. cents) per kilowatt-hour.
Beyond Renewables: Eyes on Gas and Oil
While doubling down on green energy, Manila is also pressing forward with its conventional energy agenda. The Department of Energy plans to auction three new gas exploration blocks this year—two in the Sulu Sea and one in Palawan. This comes as diplomatic tensions have stalled joint resource development talks with Beijing in the contested South China Sea.
As the Philippines leans into its natural advantages—abundant sunlight, strong winds, and strategic proximity to major Asian markets—it is positioning itself not only as a clean energy leader but also as a pivotal supplier in Asia’s low-carbon future. If successful, this bold play could shift the balance of power in regional energy trade and establish a new model for cross-border renewable cooperation.
Comments