Environmental advocates recently warned the government that relying on imported coal to fuel power plants is not a sustainable response to the country’s energy supply challenges, as global petroleum prices continue to rise amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government would resume coal importation to ensure sufficient fuel supply for power plants amid risks to global oil supply stemming from the Middle East crisis.
“We are trying to move away from coal, but because of this crisis we will reopen coal importation to prevent fuel shortages and ensure adequate power supply across the country,” he told reporters.
Jay Lim, program director of the public interest law group Tanggol Kalikasan, said the government should prioritize long term investments in renewable energy, particularly geothermal power, instead of depending on imported coal.
He acknowledged that importing coal may be a “pragmatic response” in the short term, but said it highlights the country’s slow progress in developing geothermal and other renewable energy sources.
Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines has vast geothermal potential that could reduce its vulnerability to external geopolitical shocks, he noted.
“The government should treat geothermal energy not merely as an alternative, but as a foundation of national security,” Lim said.
He also warned of a “lock in effect,” where continued investments in coal infrastructure could divert resources away from renewable energy development.
Lim said addressing the oil crisis requires more than conservation measures, calling for a “just and green transition framework” that reduces emissions while protecting vulnerable sectors.
Our government needs a long term and sustainable solution for our energy security. Importing coal may be necessary to ensure that our power plants don’t run out of fuel, but we have to maximize and develop our own indigenous sources of energy, such as geothermal and other renewable energy sources, so we insulate ourselves from disruptions that are becoming far too common as the world changes, not necessarily for the better.*
