MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippines stands at a critical juncture in its history. As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, it faces the challenge of transitioning to clean, sustainable energy while contending with powerful corporate and political interests that have long profited from fossil fuels. In an exclusive interview at the Astbury Club, Khevin Yu, Climate and Energy Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines, pulls back the curtain on the urgent battle for the nation’s energy future.
The High Stakes of a Fossil-Fuel Dependent Nation
“We are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” Yu states, his voice weighted with the gravity of the situation. “Greenpeace has been fighting for a just energy transition for over two decades. We pushed for the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, and yet, here we are, still locked in an uphill battle against fossil fuel giants and misleading solutions.”
The Philippines’ energy sector remains largely privatized due to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), leaving the fate of energy generation in the hands of profit-driven corporations. Yu explains how this has resulted in an over-reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which surged in 2011 despite mounting evidence of its devastating environmental and health impacts.
“We’ve seen entire communities suffer from pollution. Fishermen have lost their livelihoods. We’ve stopped some of these projects, but the fight continues.”
The Renewable Energy Myth—and the Reality
Critics argue that transitioning to renewable energy is expensive and unreliable, but Yu rebuts this with data that paints a different picture.
“The Philippines has around 808GW of untapped renewable energy potential. Right now, we’re using less than 30GW. The sun, the wind, the ocean—these are gifts that could power our future. Instead, we remain dependent on imported fossil fuels, subjected to price hikes and energy insecurity. It makes no sense.”
Solar energy, for instance, is abundant, yet remains underutilized due to outdated policies and a lack of government support. “Our energy companies are making the wrong bets. They say solar is too costly, but the reality is, the cost of renewables has dropped drastically in the past decade. The only thing preventing mass adoption is political will.”
The Hidden Cost of “False Solutions”
The push for natural gas and nuclear energy is another concern. Yu warns against what Greenpeace calls “false solutions”—technologies that masquerade as clean alternatives but ultimately perpetuate dependence on harmful and extractive industries.
“The government has approved a framework for expanding natural gas, and even nuclear energy is back on the table,” Yu says, shaking his head. “They call it ‘technology neutrality,’ but what they’re really doing is delaying the inevitable. We cannot afford to waste time and resources on energy sources that will only trap us in another cycle of environmental destruction.”
Holding the Line: People vs. Corporations
In 2019, Greenpeace supported local communities in La Union to stop a 600-megawatt coal plant. It was a David-and-Goliath battle, with residents, activists, and even local officials standing up to a project that would have devastated the region.
“It was proof that when people unite, we can win. But not every community has the resources to fight. That’s why Greenpeace is here—to amplify their voices, to challenge corporations and governments, to push for real accountability.”
Greenpeace has also engaged in direct action against fossil fuel companies, including a recent blockade of a Shell facility, which lasted almost five days. “We made sure they heard us,” Yu says, recalling the bold action with a determined glint in his eye.
The Path Forward: A Just Energy Transition
The shift to renewable energy is inevitable, but how it unfolds will determine whether it benefits all Filipinos or only a select few. Yu underscores the importance of a “just transition,” ensuring that workers in fossil fuel industries are not left behind and that communities—particularly indigenous and rural ones—are not exploited in the rush to build large-scale renewable energy projects.
“It’s not just about replacing coal plants with solar farms. It’s about making sure the transition is equitable, that people on the ground actually benefit, that energy doesn’t remain a luxury for the few.”
A Call to Action
As the Philippines faces the escalating impacts of the climate crisis, the choice is clear: continue down a path of destruction, or embrace a future powered by clean, sustainable energy.
“The climate emergency is here,” Yu urges. “We need action now. We need policies that support renewable energy, that make it accessible and affordable for all Filipinos. We need to break free from the chains of fossil fuel dependence. The power is in our hands. We just have to use it.”
The battle for the Philippines’ energy future is far from over. But with activists, communities, and organizations like Greenpeace leading the charge, the dream of a clean, just, and sustainable future remains within reach.
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