SEVEN COUNTRIES ARE USING MOSTLY RENEWABLE ENERGY

SEVEN COUNTRIES ARE USING MOSTLY RENEWABLE ENERGY

If seven other countries can do it, why can’t we? If no country in Southeast Asia has done it yet, why can’t the Philippines be the first?

It sounds like a wild idea, an impossible dream, but it’s not. As of today, seven countries—Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—are already generating nearly all of their electricity from renewable sources like hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind. If they can do it, then it could get as real for us as it gets.

In fact, we are already on that path. We have hydropower plants in many of our rivers. We are the second-largest producer of geothermal energy in the world, after the United States. Solar and wind are slowly but surely entering the mainstream. So why aren’t we moving faster?

To begin with, we need to set clear and ambitious targets. Better still, we should declare a firm target year for achieving total energy independence—100% renewable. Without a date, targets are just wish lists. With a date, it becomes a commitment.

But assuming we do set such a target, the next logical question is: where are we now? And how far are we from that goal? Are we measuring only electricity, or also fuel and gas? This is especially relevant now that the world is shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs). EVs could reduce our reliance on imported fuel, but at the same time, they will demand much more electricity. Will our grid be ready for that?

This transition could be both an opportunity and a problem. An opportunity, because we can cut oil imports drastically. A problem, if we fail to ramp up renewable electricity production fast enough.

Is anyone coordinating this effort? Are the hydro experts talking to the geothermal experts? Are the solar developers in touch with the wind sector? We need orchestration, not silos. Without a clear master plan, each source develops on its own, without complementing the others.

From which renewable source should we expect the bulk of our energy? Hydro has potential, but it depends on rainfall. Geothermal is stable, but it requires expensive drilling. Solar is abundant but intermittent. Wind can work in certain corridors like Ilocos and Guimaras. Shouldn’t we map out the best mix, and then align financing, laws, and incentives to make it happen?

If we know the obstacles, we can find the solutions. Are the problems legal—perhaps outdated laws and red tape? Are they financial—too costly for private investors without government guarantees? Or are they political—too many vested interests in coal and oil? Transparency here is key.

Among the seven renewable leaders, some are already net exporters of electricity. Paraguay, for example, sells power to Brazil. Bhutan exports to India. Ethiopia is aiming to supply neighboring countries. Could we possibly do the same in ASEAN one day?

Here’s another practical question: is anyone seriously studying the costs and benefits of shifting households from LPG gas ranges to electric stoves and induction cookers? If electric cooking is cheaper and cleaner, why are we still hooked on imported LPG?

My suggestion is to empower the electric cooperatives. Right now, most of them are only distributors of electricity. Why not allow and support them to also become producers? They can build community solar farms, small hydro projects, or even invest in wind turbines. This would decentralize power generation and bring ownership closer to the people.

We must remember that renewable energy is not only about the environment. It is also about sovereignty, jobs, and resilience. Every kilowatt of renewable power we generate is a peso saved from importing fuel. Every renewable plant built here means jobs for Filipinos. And every solar panel or wind turbine is a shield against the volatility of global oil prices.

So, again, if Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and Congo can do it, why can’t we? The Philippines is blessed with sunshine, rivers, geothermal heat, and coastal winds. Nature has already given us everything we need. All we have to do is organize ourselves, set clear goals, and summon the political will to act.

The question is not whether we can do it. The question is: when will we start taking it seriously?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 

01-04-2026

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