Phl to boost gas power, RE capacity as demand surges

The Philippines expects higher gas-fired and renewable power generation to fuel a projected 6.6-percent growth in power demand over the next two years, helping reduce dependence on coal, its energy secretary said on Friday.

- Brix Lelis

The country will continue to boost gas use for power generation and plans to add more gas-fired capacity to address rising demand, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) here.

“The one thing that constrains that is the supply chain of gas. There are no turbines available,” she added.

The Philippines has the most coal-dependent grid in Southeast Asia but is set to register a decline in coal-fired generation for the first time in 17 years in 2025, due mainly to rising gas and hydro output.

“Our renewable mix now is on the healthier side where we have wind, gas, solar and hydropower,” she said.

Garin said offshore wind could deliver about 1,500 MW of capacity if key ports become operational by 2027.