Solar energy developers are warning that strained diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China could derail national decarbonization goals and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
In an appeal to national leaders dated Jan. 29, the Philippine Solar & Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) stated that recent friction between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine officials has caused “serious concern” within the industry. The alliance said the intense exchange of words has created jitters that threaten trade relations between Chinese and Filipino businesses.
The group, which represents nearly 100 companies including micro-installers and utility-scale developers, emphasized that China is the primary source of solar modules, mounting structures, inverters, and batteries. PSSEA described this supply chain as the “lifeline” of the solar business, noting that any disruption would delay construction and harm fiscal revenues.
“It is important for the Philippine solar industry to maintain the flow of goods and services from China,” the alliance said. The group added that technicians and engineers have expressed fear over the repercussions a cessation of diplomatic relations might bring to their families.
Since 2012, PSSEA members have built nearly 3,000 megawatts of utility-scale power plants to help meet Paris Agreement targets for 2030 and 2040. The group also recently committed to accelerating rooftop solar projects to help avert a projected electricity shortfall in the Visayas and Mindanao by 2027.
The industry’s economic footprint is significant. Department of Energy data shows solar provided employment to approximately 203,000 people from 2009 to 2022. The sector is expected to generate at least 10,000 new jobs annually leading up to 2030.
PSSEA chairperson Tetchi Capellan and president Ping Mendoza appealed to national leaders to seek a “better diplomatic path” to resolve differences with Beijing. While expressing trust in policymakers, the alliance asked leaders to consider the negative impact a strained relationship would have on the families and jobs dependent on the industry.
