Philippine hydropower developers are pressing the government to fast-track support for projects to capitalise on a structural window offered by dry spells across the country.

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African Energy Week 2026

The Philhydro Association , an industry group representing local developers, called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to back project builders during periods of reduced rainfall. Francis Joel Sayre, President of the Philhydro Association, said: “While dry conditions lower river flows and curb generation at existing plants, lower water levels create optimal conditions for ground construction, foundation works, and civil engineering tasks.”

The group seeks to maximise upcoming El Niño periods to accelerate project delivery timetables.

Hydropower accounts for around 12 per cent of total installed power generation capacity in the Philippines. Energy regulators are designing the seventh round of the Green Energy Auction, known as GEA-7, which includes a 175 MW allocation for run-of-river projects in Mindanao. These are due to come online between 2028 and 2031.