User:Yamcosh/Renewable energy in the Philippines

Renewable energy in the Philippines

Hydroelectric plants
In the Philippines, there are hydroelectric plants of both the conventional dam and run-of-the-river types. Of twenty-nine hydroelectric plants, fourteen are conventional dam and fifteen are run-of-the-river systems.

Many areas of the Philippines are suitable for hydroelectricity production. However, hydroelectricity production in the Philippines can cause upstream and downstream flooding during monsoonal weather and when excess water is released from dams.

Hydroelectric plants
Hydropower is one of the main sources of renewable energy in the Philippines. There are hydroelectric plants of both the conventional dam and run-of-the-river types in the country. Of twenty-nine hydroelectric plants, fourteen are conventional dam and fifteen are run-of-the-river systems. Hydropower accounts for 11.8% of the energy generation and 17-18% of installed capacity in the Philippines.

Many areas of the Philippines are suitable for hydroelectricity production. However, hydroelectricity production in the Philippines can cause upstream and downstream flooding during monsoonal weather and when excess water is released from dams. Hydropower integration also has the potential to disturb pre-existing natural ecosystems and cultures as well as cause land dispossession and community resettlement. The methods of using geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) to determine suitable sites for constructing hydroelectric plants do not tend to incorporate social or environmental considerations. In response to the construction of large scale hydroelectric infrastructure, opposition movements have arisen. Anti-dam organizations and protests may advocate for indigenous peoples, environmental conservation, anti-capitalism, or anti-imperialism. Vocal environmental human rights defenders have been red-tagged by the government or extra-judicially killed by the military or police. The rights, concerns, and political agency of indigenous peoples trying to protect their villages and sacred sites from being submerged have often been disregarded due to urban-centric economic development.

Incorporating small scale plants, especially micro-hydroelectric plants that have a capacity of less than 0.1 MW (100 kW), may mitigate adverse side effects and be a cost-effective way to bring electricity to rural and off-the-grid communities. Isolated mountain communities have seen improvements in education, community engagement, and economy due to improved lighting provided by micro-hydropower.