The Responsible Energy Initiative (REI) Philippines is a multi-year, consortium-driven program that aims to maximize renewable energy’s potential in the country and works with key actors across the renewable energy value chain to ensure the transition is ecologically safe, rights-respecting and socially just.

Who's involved and why?

While renewable energy (RE) is recognized for its role in decarbonization, enhancing energy access, and fostering job creation, REI Philippines draws attention to a less discussed but significant issue — the impact of RE on people and the planet. There is a pressing need to address these emerging, often unheard challenges, especially in the realm of utility-scale RE production and deployment. Issues such as the displacement of indigenous communities, threats to biodiversity, and environmental pollution from waste disposal are some concerns that must be brought to the forefront. 

The present moment is crucial. We are at a pivotal point where establishing robust processes and governance structures that integrate social and ecological considerations into the very foundation of our approach is not just beneficial, but essential. Failure to do so now could lead to a future where the transition is not only slowed down but also becomes mired in inefficiency and counterproductive outcomes.

Done right, the Philippine landscape offers a fertile ground for the RE sector to innovate and lead the way in adopting business models that not only mitigate harm but also foster social justice, economic resilience, and ecological regeneration.

It was against this backdrop that REI Philippines was conceived in 2023. Key organizations including the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Oxfam Pilipinas, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippines, Forum for the Future, the Center for Empowerment, Innovation and Training on Renewable Energy (CentRE), and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre came together as Consortium Partners. This collaboration is poised to address these challenges head-on, steering the country towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future.