MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Energy (DOE) is actively considering lifting its moratorium on new coal-fired power plants as global oil instability persists, particularly due to ongoing Middle East conflicts.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed the agency is evaluating a proposal from Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan to revisit the coal ban. "Yes, we're considering it," Garin told reporters when questioned about the potential policy shift.
Balisacan pointed to international precedents, noting that several nations including Japan, Germany, and Italy have already begun reassessing their renewable energy transition timelines to address current global energy challenges.
Garin emphasized that any reconsideration of coal development would come with strict conditions:
"This would be considered as long as 'cleaner technology' would be used and that there will be a transition plan for that coal power plant to eventually transition to cleaner energy."
The Philippines initially implemented the coal moratorium in 2020 as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the country's shift toward renewable energy sources. The policy wasn't an absolute ban—existing facilities with expansion commitments were allowed to proceed.
Garin clarified that the current energy concerns center primarily on diesel, not coal. "Diesel is not really a major factor in terms of power generation in the Philippines. It's more on the transportation side," she explained, noting that only about 3% of diesel consumption goes toward electricity generation.
The potential policy reversal comes amid sustained high fuel prices and global energy market volatility, raising questions about balancing energy security with environmental commitments.