Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan discussed geothermal energy’s potential to support the country’s energy security and transition toward a more sustainable power sector.
During the panel discussion, Juan highlighted geothermal energy as an indigenous and renewable resource that can provide stable generation for the country’s long-term energy strategy.
“Geothermal has an important role in the country’s energy security because it is an indigenous renewable resource that operates at near-full availability around the clock,” the ERC chief said.
“While the Philippines ranks third globally in installed geothermal capacity, an estimated 4,063 megawatts across 136 sites remain untapped.”
However, the ERC head noted that while the Philippines ranks third globally in installed geothermal capacity, an estimated 4,063 megawatts across 136 sites remain untapped. He added that greenfield exploration remains challenging due to its high capital requirements and risks, alongside financing and offtake uncertainties.
Looking ahead, Juan identified the full operationalization of the Geothermal Resource De-Risking Facility (GRDF), streamlined permitting, grid infrastructure alignment, targeted transmission development, and support for emerging geothermal technologies as priorities to unlock the country’s geothermal potential.
“Over the next five to ten years, the Philippines needs to make strategic policy, regulatory, and investment decisions today to unlock geothermal’s potential.”
“Over the next five to ten years, the Philippines needs to make strategic policy, regulatory, and investment decisions today to unlock geothermal’s potential as a reliable, stable, and indigenous renewable resource for the energy transition,” he said.
The First Gen Power Economics Forum 2026, themed “Unearthing the Energy Trilemma: The Geothermal Imperative,” brought together energy-sector stakeholders to discuss geothermal’s role in addressing the country’s energy security, affordability, and decarbonization goals.
