Securing the Philippines’ energy future in a volatile world: The role of the United Nations

Recent global volatility has underscored how rising energy prices and supply interruptions penetrate every aspect of life – from the affordability of basic goods to the ability of schools, hospitals and small businesses to operate reliably.

The government of the Philippines has set a clear direction – towards a more diversified, resilient and low-carbon energy system less dependent on imported fuel. The United Nations is proud to support this vision, working in partnership with national and local institutions to strengthen the foundations of energy security in ways that are inclusive, forward-looking and grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Last month, when introducing this year’s State of the Climate Report, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres put it very succinctly: “Our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilizing both the climate and global security… Renewables deliver climate security, energy security and national security.”

Already back in 2023, the United Nations underlined the catalytic role that energy access and affordability play as one of just six accelerators to reach the SDGs. What is unfolding in front of our eyes demonstrates that the inverse is also true: any regression in energy access and affordability could undermine and even reverse overall progress towards the SDGs.

Areas of UN support

Renewable energy is both locally produced and environmentally friendly. The Philippines holds significant untapped potential, particularly in offshore wind and solar energy. United Nations support has helped lay the groundwork for scaling these resources. We supported strengthening regulatory frameworks and permitting systems, as well as long-term energy planning. In parallel, renewable energy is being brought closer to communities, including with United Nations assistance: solar-powered housing, schools and health facilities in remote and climate-vulnerable areas are already demonstrating how decentralized solutions can improve both resilience and access.

Linked to this is the need to modernize the electricity grid. As the Philippines accelerates renewable energy deployment, ensuring that the power grid can absorb and distribute this energy efficiently is critical. Through technical assistance, capacity building and planning support, the United Nations is working with energy institutions and electric cooperatives to advance smart grid solutions, improve transmission planning and integrate energy storage. These efforts help reduce bottlenecks, enhance reliability and ultimately lower exposure to global fuel price shocks.

Energy security also depends on reducing demand pressures, which makes energy efficiency and conservation a critical part of the equation. Across industries, United Nations partners are supporting more efficient production processes, climate-smart standards for small and medium enterprises and sectoral roadmaps such as in cement production and manufacturing. In agriculture and fisheries, improved cold chain systems and energy-efficient technologies are helping to reduce waste while lowering energy consumption. In urban development and transport, promoting low-carbon mobility reduces fuel dependence and eases strain on the energy system.

Energy price volatility and supply disruptions disproportionately affect the most vulnerable households. This is why strengthening social protection systems is essential. United Nations agencies are working with government partners to build shock-responsive social protection mechanisms that can deliver timely support when crises hit – whether through cash assistance, livelihood support or targeted subsidies. These systems not only protect families but also stabilize demand and reduce broader economic disruption.

Across all these areas, a just transition remains central. The shift to cleaner and locally produced energy must create jobs, build skills and open opportunities – particularly for women and communities historically left behind. From supporting green entrepreneurship to advancing workforce training and inclusive energy governance, United Nations programs are helping ensure that the benefits of the transition are widely shared.

Where is the money?

All of this needs investment, and as a soon to be upper-middle income country, the Philippines has less and less access to development assistance. The United Nations is already playing a catalytic role in unlocking access to finance for development in this new era. A project by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to help develop renewable energy-powered water systems for desalination and agriculture in Tawi-Tawi is a real milestone: the first project financed through the international Adaptation Fund, demonstrating how UN support is enabling access to diverse financing streams beyond the usual vertical and bilateral funds.

The work of the United Nations in support of the priorities of the government towards increased energy security and the low-carbon transition reflects the combined efforts of the entire United Nations family. Together, they form a coherent partnership that aligns with national priorities and supports implementation at scale.

For more details on the many ways in which the United Nations supports energy security, read this article on the United Nations Philippines website: bit.ly/ensecUNinPH.

The breadth of United Nations support in the area of energy security and the green transition demonstrates the shifting nature of our partnership with the Philippines, as the country advances toward upper middle income status. Our partnership is increasingly geared toward high level policy advice, systemic transformation and the development of long term, investment ready frameworks – approaches that match the ambition and scale of the government’s energy transition agenda. This transition is occurring at a moment when the Philippines is assuming an increasingly visible regional and global leadership role, including within ASEAN, in driving resilient, low carbon growth.

The United Nations stands ready to further strengthen this partnership – bringing global knowledge and local experience to support the government’s vision in strengthening energy security for all Filipinos.

- Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator of the Philippines on sustainable and renewable energy