Energy firm steps up RE push to brace for oil price shocks

Philippine-listed Vivant Corporation is accelerating its renewable energy (RE) investments in a bid to cushion its energy portfolio from heightened oil price volatility, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weigh heavily on global fuel markets and economic outlooks.

- Ehda M. Dagooc, Staff Member

Vivant CEO Arlo G. Sarmiento said the company is bracing for price shocks in both the shortand medium-term, stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—home to the world's most critical oil-producing nations.

"We are preparing for increased fuel volatility, and renewables are key to insulating our portfolio from these external shocks," said Sarmiento in a press briefing following the company's Annual Stockholders' Meeting 2025 held at the company's headquarters in Oakridge Business Park.

"This crisis reinforces our resolve to achieve and potentially surpass our 30 percent renewable energy target by 2030," he explained.

The Cebu-based energy and infrastructure company is committing a significant portion of its 246 billion capital expenditure (capex) pipeline for 2025-2030 to expanding its RE footprint—particularly in solar, wind, and battery storage technologies. The goal: to build grid stability while reducing dependence on oil-based generation assets.

Emil Andre M. Garcia, President of Vivant Energy, said the current environment calls for bold, long-term action.