The IEA says the PH is projected to increase its hydropower capacity by 1.1GW by 2030

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Philippines is projected to increase its hydropower capacity by 1.1 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with pumped storage plants accounting for more than half of the forecasted total.

The Philippines is expected to add 0.5 GW from pumped storage plants, with 0.3 GW from reservoir facilities and 0.2 GW from run-of-river hydro plants by 2030.

The country’s estimates account for 7% of the expected hydro capacity additions in Southeast Asia for the period, or 15.30 GW.

Global hydro capacity additions are expected to hit 1,555 GW by 2030, a 17% increase from the 1,330 GW in 2020.

“Over 2011-2020, hydropower capacity increased 300 GW and we expect 230 GW growth over 2021-2030 so it (will be) 23% lower than the growth in 2011-2020,” said the IEA.

The IEA expects slowdowns in project development in China, Latin America, and Europe, however, growth in the Asia Pacific region, Africa, and the Middle East will offset the decline, partially.

According to the IEA, hydropower is the “forgotten giant of low-carbon power,” with the renewable energy source accounting for one-sixth of global electricity generation, the third-largest source after coal and natural gas in 2020.

“Hydropower’s contribution is 55% higher than nuclear’s and larger than that of all other renewables combined, including wind, solar PV (photovoltaic), bioenergy, and geothermal,” it said.

It added that emerging and developing economies have led the world’s hydro growth since the 1970s due to public sector investment in large plants.

Last year, hydro accounted for 7% of the power generated by the Philippines.

SOURCE: Business World