Since the Industrial Revolution, coal has been a cornerstone of energy generation. Over time, innovation unlocked new resources–natural gas, oil, wind, and geothermal power. We've come far from the first light bulb and the first car, and fossil fuels, our main source of power, have powered our journey to space, to wireless technology , and to countless modern conveniences.

But these conveniences have come with a cost. 

Power has become essential to modern life—and while its demand will never decline, the cost of how we generate it is catching up to us. Today, at least 60% of the world's energy still comes from non-renewable sources. As demand grows, so do carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, making energy one of the biggest contributors to climate change.

To many, these are just numbers and projections–a trade-off for progress. To us, it's a call. A call to start challenging what we've accepted for years and push for solutions that won't just save us from the effects of global warming but can unlock economic opportunity and close social gaps. Maybe even push the boundaries of what the energy industry thinks is possible. 

Here's why we're stepping up:

A changed world needs a changed industry

As sea levels continue to reach all-time highs, temperatures rise and fall to new heights, and extreme weather phenomena become more common, our energy sources must evolve to answer one critical question:  How do we power a world already feeling the effects of climate change–with solutions that can both cut emissions and withstand a changing planet?

We have the answers. We're veering away from centralized energy systems that are reliant on non-renewable energy and shifting to greener power sources that are better adapted to changing times. Ember Energy reports that 2023 was likely the peak of fossil generation, setting the stage for renewable energy sources to meet the global electricity demand. Global policies and investment booms in electrifying transportation (the world’s largest oil-consuming sector and major source of emissions) also signal a worldwide shift to cleaner energy for transportation, the world's biggest consumer of oil.

These rising industries are born out of a pressing call, one that traditional, centralized energy players have long ignored. Without pivoting, it can worsen climate conditions— and leave its people powerless on all fronts.

Resilient, reliable energy systems as the new standard

In the Philippines, efforts to bring electricity to rural areas have grown to 95%. Despite that, extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures threaten the resilience and reliability of our electricity systems.

Our country mostly relies on coal to generate electricity, contributing to 61.9% of the energy mix. Record-high heat in 2024 forced power plants to shut down and reduce deployment, signaling that this could be a common occurrence should we continue to rely heavily on coal to generate electricity. More concerningly, we continue to import crude oil and coal, making our energy supply vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Without control, Filipinos will continue to bear the brunt of price hikes.

With prices of electricity and fuel going up, the socio-economic gap between rural and urban areas, even barangays within cities, can widen and drive households further below the poverty line. No one should feel anxious every time a global price surge hits or dread opening their next electricity bill, nor should anyone feel their livelihood threatened by it. That's why the worldwide effort to explore solar panels and battery storage makes room for DERs— and communities—to thrive.

Stay In The Current:

Distributed Energy Sources (DERs) refer to smaller-scale energy resources, often nearer to consumers. This could look like rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems and electronic vehicles (EVs). These energy sources help solve issues when it comes  to energy access, dependence, reliability, and sustainability.

A space for new ideas and talent

An industry that demands a shift sparks the most electrifying ideas from empowered talent. The energy transformation requires individuals ready to question age-old notions of how homes, vehicles, and lives should be powered.

The future is bright for those who take on the challenge. The International Renewable Energy Agency recorded 13.7 million jobs created in the renewable industry in 2023. With its projected growth, the growing demand for power, and the need to shift to decentralized energy, it will need builders, innovators, and specialists in search of a space to spark new ideas and see them take flight in the pursuit of empowered communities and climate resiliency.

The Philippines is stepping up–committing to the global transition to decentralized energy. With a goal to increase renewable energy sources to 35% by 2030, the Philippines is using its geographical advantage to house solar and wind energy sources to make DERs viable for career opportunities. Investments and policies are already in place to support infrastructure and financing to ease energy decentralization in the Philippines. The challenge now is to get more people involved and empower them to push forward.

Although transforming an industry as old as fossil fuels will take years, one thing is clear: the movement is in motion. It is growing rapidly and will only accelerate with stronger policies, robust financing, and people willing to power the change.

How are you taking part in it? The grid is changing. Don’t get left behind.

‍