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The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BBCP) and Shell Energy Philippines (SEPH) hosted a forum on September 18, spotlighting the country’s clean energy transition. Shell Energy CEO Bernd Krukenberg cited the Green Energy Auction Program, where private firms subscribed over 9,400 megawatts (MW), as proof that public-private cooperation is driving momentum.
During the discussion, Department of Energy (DOE) official Hon. Edward Neri pointed to the Philippines’ ambitious renewable energy (RE) targets and strong policy backing as catalysts for investor interest. “It’s highly favorable and rapidly evolving, that’s how I describe the investment climate in the Philippines,” he told participants.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Deputy Director General Maria Veronica Magsino also mentioned that more companies in the country’s ecozones are tapping RE sources such as solar and biomass, with over 12 enterprises now generating a combined capacity of 223,584 kilowatt-peak (kWp).
Meanwhile, BBCP Vice Chairman Chris Nelson reaffirmed the group’s backing for the country’s RE push, stressing the importance of collaboration and investment. “Clean energy has been a significant priority of the Philippines, and it is important to recognize that the UK is one of the leading countries in this area,” he said.
(Also read: 10 Reasons Why the PH Trails in Renewable Energy)
SEPH targets onshore wind
SEPH is expanding beyond solar projects, with plans to integrate battery storage and explore onshore wind. While details on wind ventures remain limited, the company recently secured a power supply deal with PetroSolar Corp., tapping the 20-MW capacity of the Tarlac-2 solar plant to help meet its energy needs.
To broaden its RE reach, SEPH has teamed up with Daiichi Properties to supply clean power to its office developments.
The company has also entered into an agreement with a data center operator, positioning itself to serve the rapidly expanding digital infrastructure industry. “We want to grow that business,” said Krukenberg. “The other sectors we’re looking into [are] semiconductors and electronic manufacturing—all those customers who have rather bulky demand.”
(Also read: Electric Cooperatives & the Energy Transition: Help or Hindrance?)
UK envoy: PH policies draw RE investors
After the forum, British Embassy Economic and Climate Counsellor Lloyd Cameron said the Philippines is becoming more attractive to foreign investors in renewables, citing clear policy signals and reforms.
“You’ve got really concrete action from the government, whether that’s the green lanes or recent developments, the extension of leases, exploring, making right-of-way, facilitating right-of-way issues, and anti-red tape,” he noted.
The Philippines ranks second among emerging markets for renewable energy, making it an increasingly attractive prospect for investors. Renewables currently make up 22% of the country’s power mix, with government targets set at 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
Neri said the government is pushing a range of reforms to accelerate renewables, from easing foreign ownership limits and streamlining permits through the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act to introducing policies for offshore wind.
He added that the Green Energy Auction program, launched in 2022, continues to boost capacity, with the fifth round results due in October. These measures, Neri explained, ensure that the bid enhances “energy efficiency, adoption of emerging technologies, and advances market technologies and a resilient grid for the energy sector.”
Sources:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/22/seph-eyes-onshore-wind-to-grow-renewable-portfolio