Unlocking the Philippines’ $3.9 Trillion Hydropower Potential: A Path to Cleaner Energy and Flood Mitigation

The Philippines is endowed with an estimated $3.9 trillion worth of hydropower potential, which if fully harnessed, could significantly enhance the country’s electricity generation, alleviate recurring flood problems, and improve agricultural productivity. Gertrude Roque, president of the privately backed Philhydro Association Inc., emphasized that unlocking this potential would require investments of approximately $5-6 million per megawatt.

Roque advocated for a strategic mix of hydropower technologies including run-of-river (ROR), dams, and pumped storage hydro (PSH) systems as the optimal approach tailored for the Philippines’ unique landscape and needs. She underscored the multifunctional role of dams, stating, "For dams, we store the water to prevent floods or to irrigate the farms," highlighting that beyond energy production, dams also contribute to water management and agricultural support.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin described hydropower as the "perfect partner" in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable and clean energy sources. She further stressed the important role hydropower infrastructure plays in national disaster resilience. "Hydro facilities are critical infrastructure for disaster mitigation. Reservoirs and integrated water management actively control river flows, mitigate flash floods, and protect communities during severe weather events," Garin explained.

Currently, hydropower contributes roughly eight percent to the Philippine energy mix. Given its substantial benefits and untapped capacity, intensified collaboration between government agencies and the private sector is essential to expand hydropower’s share, not only for energy needs but also for flood control and disaster preparedness.

Roque and Garin both emphasized that while development is critical, projects must be thoroughly assessed for their environmental impact and long-term benefits before implementation. The strategic development of hydropower promises to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy future and disaster resilience efforts if pursued responsibly.