Powering Philippine Tourism with Renewable Energy Innovations
Photo by solX Technologies Inc.
Earth Day 2025 marked an inspiring moment in history, as over one billion people from 192 countries united under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” It was a powerful call to action, highlighting the growing importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change and paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future.
Against this backdrop, the 2nd Asia Sustainable Travel Forum for Next-Gen Leaders took place in Manila, attended by tourism and hospitality management students from Far Eastern University. With the theme “Powering the Future: Renewable Energy in Philippine Tourism,” the forum sparked discussions on how renewable energy can reshape the tourism industry in the Philippines, equipping future leaders with ideas and strategies to drive meaningful progress in the industry.
The Energy Landscape in the Philippines
The Philippines is grappling with an energy crisis characterized by some of the highest electricity rates in Asia. This is largely driven by dependency on imported fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG), leaving the country vulnerable to global market swings and geopolitical tensions. Unlike neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, where energy subsidies buffer consumers from these fluctuations, Filipino households and businesses bear the full brunt of price hikes.
This challenge is compounded by the expected depletion of the Malampaya gas field, the country’s only local natural gas source, by 2027.
Tourism's Energy Challenges
Energy-intensive by nature, the tourism and hospitality sector heavily relies on consistent and affordable electricity. For hotels and resorts, especially those in remote areas without stable grid access, energy costs form a major operational expense. Frequent outages only compound the problem, harming guest experience and operational continuity.
Wendell Adrian R. Tamayo, President and CEO of GenWATT Energy Solutions Corporation, emphasized that this is the reason why remote establishments often resort to diesel generators for backup power. While effective in emergencies, these generators come with high operational costs and contribute significantly to the carbon footprint. At the same time, the demand for eco-conscious travel is growing, putting pressure on hotels and resorts to adopt sustainability-led practices without jeopardizing their bottom line.
Wendell Adrian R. Tamayo, President and CEO of GenWATT Energy Solutions Corporation
Operational inefficiencies add to these challenges. For instance, fluctuating occupancy rates result in variable energy demands, while older systems like HVAC units consume excessive power. These challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative, eco-conscious energy solutions.
Renewable Energy as a Practical Solution
Amid these challenges, renewable energy, particularly solar power, is emerging as a practical and impactful alternative. The Philippines is blessed with abundant sunlight, making solar energy an accessible and cost-effective option.
Tamayo emphasized this point eloquently, saying, “Every day the sun rises, we are given free energy. We just need to act and harness it effectively.”
Advances in solar technology now allow for hybrid systems equipped with battery storage, enabling businesses to store energy during the day and use it at night or during overcast conditions.
Tamayo shared how battery technology has evolved, with current systems lasting up to 22 years. “With these long lifespans, solar with storage has become a practical and financially viable investment for tourism establishments,” he explained.
He also emphasized that “energy democratization” is the solution, saying that energy should not be controlled by the few but owned and managed by the many. By installing solar panels, tourism businesses can become independent energy producers, reducing their dependence on the national grid.
Solar power’s impact extends beyond financial benefits. Matt Levin Tan, Co-Founder and COO of solX Technologies Inc., shared that renewable energy projects can generate tangible environmental results. For instance, SolX has ongoing solar projects that offset over 61,000 kilograms of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 2,661 trees. Such achievements show how clean energy adoption can create tangible environmental benefits while meeting the rising demand for sustainable operations.
Matt Levin Tan, Co-Founder and COO of solX Technologies Inc.
Practical Steps for Hospitality Businesses
Implementing renewable energy often presents challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized tourism businesses that lack access to significant capital and technical expertise. However, innovative financing models and collaborative approaches are breaking down these barriers.
Lease-to-own models, as what GenWATT provides, eliminate the high upfront costs of solar installations, allowing businesses to spread payments over time while enjoying immediate savings on electricity bills.
Patricia de Mesa, Assistant Business Development Manager for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, also emphasized the importance of choosing the right partner for financing and operations. “Look for a partner who offers financing solutions without requiring upfront cash.” Partnering with credible providers ensures consistent system monitoring and maintenance, allowing hospitality operators to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.
De Mesa also highlighted creative solutions, such as the use of solar carports. This model, being piloted by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts at Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City, utilizes parking spaces to install solar panels, bypassing technical constraints on rooftops. Such innovations allow businesses to make the most of their existing spaces while minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
Patricia de Mesa, Assistant Business Development Manager for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts
Energy Efficiency Strategies to Complement Renewable Energy
Combining renewable energy systems with energy efficiency strategies can deliver even greater results. De Mesa outlined two tiers of improvements:
1. Low-cost measures:
Switch to LED lighting to cut down power use in guest rooms and public spaces.
Install motion sensors and smart thermostats to optimize energy usage in unoccupied areas.
Regularly maintain HVAC systems to prevent inefficiencies and overuse.
Train employees in energy-saving practices to instill a culture of sustainability.
2. Higher-investment solution:
Upgrade outdated cooling systems to energy-efficient models.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Energy
Innovation is key to addressing the energy crisis. The inspiring story of solX Technologies’ Co-Founder Matt Levin Tan demonstrates how combining technical know-how with entrepreneurial spirit can yield impactful results. Tan, a university student at the time, started solX to tackle inefficiencies in energy use.
"It’s possible to be a student and run a company at the same time. It's not easy. It's going to be one of the hardest things you'll ever do. But if you commit yourself to it, you can turn these challenges into opportunities—not just for personal success, but for a greater impact on society."
Tan called on the students to take an active role in shaping the future of energy. “Problems are only problems until they’re solved. The bigger the problem, the greater the opportunity for meaningful solutions,” he said, encouraging the audience to adopt a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
He also urged the students to seize opportunities to create meaningful change rather than waiting for others to act. "If we don't solve our generation's problems, no one else will. And we don't have the time to wait for the next generation to solve our problems for us as well," he added.
Key Takeaways
At the heart of all the discussions is the urgent need for tourism stakeholders to adopt renewable energy practices. The benefits of doing so are undeniable:
Save costs. According to Tamayo, combining solar power with energy storage can cut electricity costs by 40% to 80% and reduce the need for diesel generators.
Stay reliable. Systems such as hybrid solar setups help keep the lights on during power outages so your operations run smoothly and your guests stay happy.
Reduce environmental impact. Lowering carbon emissions and adopting eco-conscious practices can help you attract a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers.
Ultimately, the future of tourism depends on how quickly the industry can pivot toward innovative energy solutions. Stakeholders must act now, taking steps such as:
Evaluate your energy footprint and identify inefficiencies.
Research renewable energy solutions suitable for your property’s size and location.
Seek financing partners offering flexible payment options, like lease-to-own models.
Educate your staff on the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency.
De Mesa said it best, “Think outside the box, utilize whatever you have, and find the right partner who can help leverage your resources.”
Asia Sustainable Travel Co-Founder Rhea Vitto Tabora (eighth from left) with the speakers and representatives from the Far Eastern University - Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management
