THE Philippines is targeting a 35 percent share of renewable energy by 2030, but hitting those targets will require digital infrastructure that can handle the complexity of a greener, more dynamic energy landscape. Still, with the signing of a landmark $15 billion partnership with the UAE’s Masdar to develop 1 GW of clean energy in the next five years, the country’s energy sector is on the brink of a major transformation.
Geoff Childs, general manager for Asia at Gentrack, a global leader in utility technology solutions, breaks down the hidden digital infrastructure gap behind the green energy push — and how smart platforms, data-driven operations, and real-time pricing are essential to making renewables viable at scale.
The Manila Times (TMT): The Philippines has set an ambitious target of 35 percent renewable energy by 2030. What are the biggest challenges you see in achieving this transformation?
Geoff Childs (Childs): Renewable energy transformation is not just about shutting down coal-fired power plants and increasing renewable generation. Significant shifts are underway in the energy sector — from focusing solely on generation to prioritizing the retail side of the equation.
A major shift is that utility companies now place greater emphasis on influencing customer behavior to support Net Zero goals. Consumers must evolve into prosumers — both using and producing energy — through the adoption of technologies such as rooftop solar, home battery systems, and electric vehicles.
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For example, Amber Electric Australia empowers customers to manage their solar and battery systems via AI-powered mobile apps. These tools allow users to charge batteries and consume energy when prices are low, and sell stored energy back to the grid when prices are high, giving customers full control over their energy use and storage.
There’s also a shift in terms of enabling technology being the linchpin in unlocking the full potential of renewables, leading to smarter energy use. Smart meters, time-of-use tariffs, and intelligent energy management systems empower consumers to make informed decisions about their consumption. Utility retailers that invest in these technologies can accelerate the transition by helping customers actively participate in the evolving energy ecosystem.
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Of course, strong government policy and regulatory frameworks are essential to scaling renewable energy infrastructure. Across Asia, governments are pushing aggressively toward green energy targets by phasing out coal- and gas-fired power plants in favor of large-scale renewable projects. This includes the development of both onshore and offshore wind farms, solar farms, and hydroelectric facilities. Achieving these ambitions requires comprehensive regulatory support — from streamlined permitting processes to grid modernization and incentives that attract investment in renewables.
TMT: How would you describe the state of Philippine utilities? How does this compare to other Southeast Asian countries?
Childs: The Philippine utility sector is in a state of active transition. While the country still faces legacy infrastructure challenges — most notably the need to modernize and strengthen its national grid — energy companies are taking meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
At the same time, the country still has ground to cover compared to some of its Southeast Asian neighbors. For example, Singapore and Thailand are further along in grid digitization and smart meter deployment, while Vietnam has surged ahead in solar adoption due to aggressive government incentives and private sector participation. The Philippines is moving in the right direction, but consistent regulatory support, grid upgrades, and consumer engagement will be critical to match the pace of regional leaders.
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Also, Philippine utilities are not just planning for more renewable energy — they are actively investing in infrastructure that can support a decentralized grid, smart energy management, and more empowered consumers. This evolving mindset can better handle the dynamics of a renewable-driven future.
TMT: How do smart platforms work? How would this improve operations and reduce the costs of Philippine utilities?
Childs: Smart platforms are designed to ingest large amounts of data, analyze it, and apply artificial intelligence to generate actionable insights. These systems enable a wide range of benefits, including enhanced customer experience, improved operational efficiency for energy providers, and greater integration of distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicles.
Smart platforms can manage and optimize energy use in real time, allowing households and businesses to consume energy when it’s cheapest and most abundant, and to sell excess energy back to the grid when prices are high. This not only empowers consumers to become prosumers — both producers and consumers of energy — but also supports a more flexible, decentralized grid.
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Gentrack’s smart utility platform exemplifies this potential, offering up to 80 percent out-of-the-box functionality tailored to the core needs of utility providers. An additional 5 to 15 percent is localized for country-specific regulations and market conditions, while the final 5 to 10 percent is customized to individual customer requirements.
TMT: What are some tangible benefits utilities can expect from implementing smart billing and carbon tracking systems?
Childs: The ultimate goal is saving the planet. Implementing smart billing and carbon tracking systems plays a crucial role in achieving Net Zero.
Carbon tracking systems provide clear, real-time visibility into emissions associated with energy consumption, enabling utilities to report accurately on their environmental impact and meet regulatory or ESG (environmental, social, and governance) commitments.
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Smart billing automates complex pricing models such as time-of-use tariffs and demand-based billing, reducing manual effort and operational costs while improving billing accuracy. With transparent carbon and energy usage data, customers can make more informed decisions about when and how they use energy, leading to lower bills and greater overall engagement in renewable energy uptake.
Gentrack recently announced its partnership with ACEN, the renewable energy arm of the Ayala Group in the Philippines.
