Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Philippines

  • Filipino Cacao Growers Learn to Live With a Hotter Climate

    Climate change poses serious challenges to cacao farmers in the Philippines, particularly in the Davao region, where extreme weather events have become more frequent. Despite these challenges, farmers are implementing climate mitigation strategies such as intercropping, producing fertilizers from agricultural waste, and using innovative irrigation systems to adapt to changing conditions. Filmmaker Breech Asher Harani documents the resilience and sustainable farming techniques of cacao farmers in Davao, highlighting their readiness to face the battle against climate change. The film aims to elevate the importance of farmers and motivate viewers to take action against climate change, which is already impacting food production.

    https://e360.yale.edu/features/2026-film-contest-first-place-philippines-chocolates

  • Philippines plans green energy auction for agrivoltaics, aquavoltaics

    The Philippines is gearing up for its 9th green energy auction (GEA-9) focusing on agrisolar and aquasolar projects to maximize land and water resources while supporting food security and rural livelihoods. The Department of Energy is facilitating innovative projects that combine clean power generation with sustainable farming and fishing practices. As part of a larger plan to auction 25 GW of renewables by 2035, upcoming auctions will target rooftop solar, ground-mounted solar, floating solar, and off-grid areas served by the National Power Corporation. The country saw 899 MW of solar installed in 2025, bringing the total solar capacity to 3,892 MW.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/06/philippines-plans-green-energy-auction-for-agrivoltaics-aquavoltaics/

  • VinFast Debuts Electric Scooter Lineup and Battery-Swapping Network in the Philippines

    VinFast has introduced its electric two-wheeler division in the Philippines, expanding their retail footprint with plans for 30,000 exchange hubs nationwide. The company aims to solve the urban charging conundrum through infrastructure by deploying automated battery-swapping cabinets. Their product portfolio includes three models with dual under-seat battery slots and water and dust resistance ratings, targeting urban commuters with high speeds and long ranges. VinFast's subscription model separates vehicle ownership from battery ownership, with a monthly fee for battery usage, as they aim to shift the region towards electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/03/vinfast-debuts-electric-scooter-lineup-and-battery-swapping-network-in-the-philippines/

  • Even Under Extreme Warming, ASEAN’s Wind & Solar Generation Variation From Normal Will Be Less Than 1% In 2030

    A report by Ember emphasizes the importance of expanding renewable energy and strengthening grids in Southeast Asia to enhance power system resilience. Examples from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam showcase the benefits of distributed renewables in offsetting fossil fuel capacity, improving disaster recovery, and reducing costs related to solar curtailment. The report underscores the need for renewable energy and grid upgrades to be central to policymaking in the region, while also highlighting the significance of investments in renewables, storage, and grid interconnection for building power systems that can withstand climate risks and disruptions. Practical guidance is provided for ASEAN governments to protect energy security and promote a more resilient clean energy future.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/22/even-under-extreme-warming-aseans-wind-solar-generation-variation-from-normal-will-be-less-than-1-in-2030/

  • VinFast Bets on Entrepreneurs with “Rentapasada” Program in the Philippines

    VinFast in the Philippines has launched the Rentapasada program, offering aspiring transport entrepreneurs the opportunity to start a ride-hailing business using electric vehicles with minimal upfront investment. The program includes vehicle access, charging, maintenance, and a dedicated ride-hailing platform, aiming to position electric vehicles as tools for entrepreneurship. With two vehicle models available, VF 5 and Limo Green, Rentapasada provides flexibility for drivers to match the vehicle with their business plans. By lowering capital requirements and addressing energy costs through VinFast's charging network, Rentapasada enables drivers to earn with an EV from the outset, reduce operating costs, and eventually own the vehicle that helped build their business.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/19/vinfast-bets-on-entrepreneurs-with-rentapasada-program-in-the-philippines/

  • The Philippines inaugurates first phase of massive solar-storage project

    The MTerra Solar project in the Philippines is a large-scale solar-plus-storage facility that will deliver 3.5 GW of solar capacity and 4.5 GWh of energy storage once completed. The first phase has energized 1,373 MW of solar and 825 MW of battery energy storage, fulfilling a 600 MW mid-merit power supply agreement with Meralco. The President of the Philippines emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources towards renewables to reduce reliance on coal for power generation. This project is a significant step towards boosting the energy sector and increasing the share of renewables in the country's energy mix, showcasing the potential for large-scale renewable energy projects to drive sustainable solutions for climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/15/the-philippines-inaugurates-first-phase-of-massive-solar-storage-project/

  • Agrivoltaics Could Solve One of Solar’s Biggest Problems in the Philippines

    Agrivoltaics is gaining traction in the Philippines as a way to combine solar energy generation with agriculture on limited arable land, maximizing land use efficiency. The country's largest commercial agrivoltaic project in Batangas combines utility-scale solar generation with crop production and battery energy storage, showing promise for the coexistence of farming and clean energy production. Lessons from smaller trials have influenced the design of larger agrivoltaic projects, providing valuable operational data for future solar projects and offering a solution to land use conflicts while supporting rural communities. This innovation in the country's renewable energy transition highlights the potential for sustainable solutions in the clean tech sector.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/04/agrivoltaics-could-solve-one-of-solars-biggest-problems-in-the-philippines/

  • Energy Forum Signals Asia’s Clean Energy Transition Is Entering A New, High-Stakes Phase

    The Asia Clean Energy Forum 2026 in Manila highlighted the region's energy challenges, including geopolitical tensions affecting fuel markets and millions of people lacking reliable power access. The forum emphasized the shift towards clean energy transition in Asia, with a focus on building secure, resilient, inclusive, and intelligent energy systems. Discussions at the forum included the potential of offshore wind in the Philippines, the need for grid modernization to support renewable energy deployment, and the cautious return of nuclear energy to the regional conversation. ADB President emphasized the importance of building interconnected power systems to strengthen energy security in the region. The section also discusses the role of nuclear energy in long-term energy security, the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to connect national grids for clean energy trade, and the shift towards cross-border power trade for resilience and affordability in Asia. The focus on AI-driven grid management, decentralized energy systems, and electric vehicles as grid assets highlights the importance of software in ensuring the success of renewable-heavy grids. The conversation around EVs in Southeast Asia has shifted towards their role in stabilizing the grid, rather than just as a decarbonization tool, due to the region's rising vehicle ownership. Charging infrastructure was also highlighted as a key component in this shift. The article emphasizes the interconnected nature of EVs and intelligent grid management as part of the broader transition to clean energy in Asia. The region is on the brink of transformation, with the need for smarter systems, stronger grids, and deeper cooperation to navigate the complexities of the energy transition. The focus is on implementing tools like AI-driven forecasting, decentralized management, and utilizing EVs as grid assets to accelerate the transition.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/02/energy-forum-signals-asias-clean-energy-transition-is-entering-a-new-high-stakes-phase/

  • Press Release: Initiative in Recife draws on learnings from report to tackle waste and plastic pollution

    The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is partnering with the City of Recife, Brazil's Federal Government, and businesses like Mars Inc., Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Unilever to tackle waste and plastic pollution. The collaboration aims to unlock up to R$300 million for collection and recycling systems in Recife, creating jobs, improving conditions for waste pickers, and keeping plastics out of Brazil's rivers. The initiative aims to develop a new approach to collection and recycling systems for packaging, with the hope of informing national policy and becoming a model for other cities. The Foundation and municipality will work with stakeholders to develop a detailed plan for the city, with implementation expected to begin in 2027. The Closing the Loop report highlights the potential for a better urban waste system in Brazil to recover BRL 14 billion in recyclable value and create around 9,300 jobs by 2030, emphasizing the important role of waste pickers in recovering recyclable materials and calling for systemic change in plastics and packaging. Clean Rivers, a foundation backed by the United Arab Emirates, is also taking action to address water and waste challenges in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil.

    https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/press-release-initiative-in-recife-draws-on-learnings-from-report-to-tackle-waste-and-plastic-pollution

  • 422 Megawatt Floating Solar Portfolio for Philippines

    Vietnamese solar developer VinEnergo is partnering with solar engineering company SunAsia Energy to develop 422 MWp of floating solar power in the Philippines, marking their first entry into the Filipino market. The projects will consist of almost 700,000 solar modules mounted on pile-supported structures above water, allowing aquaculture activities to continue below. This partnership aims to enhance energy security, boost economic growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to environmental protection through the advancement of renewable energy infrastructure.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/28/422-megawatt-floating-solar-portfolio-for-philippines/