A rational energy policy for the Philippines [Inquirer]
by Alberto Dalusung III | March 21, 2025 | Published by Philippine Daily Inquirer | READ THE STORY HERE Energy is the backbone of economic growth and social progress. Yet, the Philippines faces a defining moment in its power trajectory—where rising electricity costs, recurring power shortages, and an outdated, baseload-centric grid threaten national stability and development. The choices we make today will determine whether we’d continue to struggle with an inefficient system, or embrace a future of clean, affordable, reliable, and secure energy. The energy trilemma presents a framework of three fundamental objectives that energy policymakers should balance: sustainability, [...]
The Philippines as one of Asia’s RE hotspots
By Alberto Dalusung III Editor’s Note: Bert Dalusung is the Energy Transition Advisor of ICSC. He has over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, with focus on renewable energy development, national energy planning, and policy formulation. Dalusung was featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer article “PH aspires to be next green power paradise,” published on January 5, 2025, which highlighted the latest findings of the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Climatescope Report. The Philippines has made significant advancements in renewable energy (RE) development over the last three years. [...]
Think tank seeks removal of automatic pass-through fuel cost from power deals [BusinessWorld]
by Beatriz Marie D. Cruz | September 3, 2023| Published by BusinessWorld | READ THE STORY HERE The Government needs to remove pass-through fuel cost clauses in power purchase agreements (PPAs) in order to lower electricity prices, an energy policy think tank said. “The automatic fuel cost pass-through provision is really what causes the high cost of electricity,” Alberto R. Dalusung III, Energy Transition Advisor of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), said in an e-mail. “Amending the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) only (addresses) a small portion of the price burden,” Mr. Dalusung [...]
ICSC: RE is variable and not intermittent, best fits the country’s energy needs
QUEZON CITY, May 15, 2023 – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced in a virtual briefing yesterday that renewable energy (RE) projects will become operational soon in the Philippine grid, but their harmonization with the existing plan of the transmission system needs to be considered. “The influx of a lot of variable technologies will need a lot of upgrades from the grid and these should be considered in terms of whether the quickest and easiest solution is from the grid’s perspective or perhaps looking at technologies coming in and ensuring these harmonizes with the existing development plan [...]
Liquefied natural gas: A dirty, costly detour [PCIJ]
Residing in the coastal village of Sta. Clara in Batangas City for three generations, the Mendozas witnessed how a community once lined with aroma and talisay trees had turned into a marshy area now cornered by gas facilities. Located only a few hundred meters away from their home are the Avion, Sta. Rita, San Lorenzo, and San Gabriel natural gas-fired power plants.