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Courtesy of RMI.
By New Energy Nexus Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Sea level rise is three to four times faster in this island nation than the global average, and it gets hit with an average of 20 typhoons a year. Energy equity is also a major concern as 10 percent of the Philippine population still lives in rural areas without access to electricity, and those that have electricity deal with frequent outages.

Fortunately, a small but mighty group of startups is helping the Philippines forge a clean energy future. According to research by New Energy Nexus (NEN), a founding partner of Third Derivative, and RMI, 15 young companies are helping transform the climate crisis — and close the region’s energy access gap — with renewable energy and clean-tech solutions.

The good news is that these startups are not acting alone. Public and private leaders across the Philippines are working to create a cleaner, more accessible and reliable energy system. Already policymakers have announced a moratorium on new coal projects and are aiming for 35 percent clean energy by 2030.

But it’s going to take far more innovation and investment to meet that target. Coal-fired power capacity has increased since 2008, and now contributes to 57 percent of the country’s energy mix. And the nation’s renewables currently account for less than a quarter of supply, with variable renewables like wind and solar significantly less prevalent (2 percent) than hydropower and geothermal.

All this signifies major ecosystem opportunities — along with major barriers — for energy innovation.

Ilocos, Philippines. Photo by Brett Andrei Martin, via Unsplash

5 Regional Needs & Opportunities

Following, we explore five takeaways from NEN’s Philippines Energy Ecosystem Map report, including key traits of today’s startup scene; funding, policy and institutional drivers; and the general landscape of support.

  1. Startups and other early indicators reveal a clean tech ecosystem with room to grow

The Philippines is home to an array of clean energy game-changers, including startups, research labs, universities, media, and professional service providers.

Our research identified 15 promising new energy startups, including:

  • Exora, a platform that connects retail electricity suppliers with contestable customers to make energy affordable and accessible for all Filipinos
  • Smartermeter, an energy management system for households and rental business units to create a community of more informed consumers
  • Circular Solutions, a waste management system to help residential communities with clean cooking fuel from biodegradable waste
  • Light of Hope, an impact startup that provides solar generator systems for low-income families

These and other efforts are backed by a supportive ecosystem including 200 energy professional service providers and 16 media outlets that promote energy-related news. And they’re surrounded by other innovators, with 240 active patents related to energy, clean energy, renewable energy, and batteries, along with 141 new energy research projects spanning 11 research laboratories and eight universities.

Bottom line: The Philippine clean energy ecosystem is still building to a critical mass. We see room for even more startup players, considering the larger setting of innovation.

  1. Funding is on the rise, though not yet up to market need 

Overall, we’re seeing outsized market demand for cost-effective clean energy solutions. Off-grid solutions like standalone solar and minigrids will be key to closing the energy gap for the 24,556 un-electrified communities in the Philippines.

But this can only happen with additional funding.

Currently, the country’s funding landscape encompasses 27 bank loans for energy startups and projects, six grant providers, 11 venture capital firms, five crowdfunding platforms, two insurance programs, six angel and investor networks, five green bonds, and 6,943 micro-cooperatives.

While these are promising numbers, current funding levels won’t cut it. Our analysis shows that with an investment of $354 million, 1.25 million households could tap into minigrid-generated electricity by 2030. And an investment of $897 million would give an additional 2.5 million households standalone solar by then.

Bottom line: There is opportunity to grow in terms of market interest and need, but it’s going to take more substantial investment.

  1. Philippine policy is trending in favor of clean energy

Supportive policy and programs are always important for energy startups. Fortunately, Filipino policymakers have been incorporating clean energy provisions into the nation’s plans for more than a decade.

A few notable examples include:

  • The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which privatized the power sector to support competitive pricing, more reliable electricity, and better-quality power
  • The Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which includes a renewable portfolio standard, feed-in-tariff system, green energy option program, and duty-free importation of renewable energy materials
  • The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) of 2019, which calls for an interagency energy efficiency and conservation committee as well as energy efficiency certifications, standards, and labeling
  • The Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop, which aims to reduce red tape by streamlining permitting process of power generation, transmission, and distribution

Bottom line: Policymakers have shown clear support for opening pathways to clean, affordable energy, an encouraging sign for energy startups.

  1. Institutional inefficiencies pose a challenge

According to the International Trade Administration, the Philippines needs about 43 GW of additional capacity by 2040, and is “clearly behind schedule in developing solutions.”

Utilities and electricity companies are central to the effort, including 198 electric generation companies, 22 private distribution utilities, 6 LGU-owned utilities, 120 electric cooperatives, 67 retail electricity suppliers, 2,089 contestable consumers or end-users, and 396 transport cooperatives.

But major inefficiencies are slowing progress in the energy supply sub-sector. Utility and electricity company leaders grapple with a complex and slow approvals process, non-optimal market mechanisms, and institutional capacity issues.

Bottom line: Don’t expect smooth sailing in terms of institutional buy-in and adoption of even the most proven and cost-effective clean energy solutions.

  1. Clean energy networking opportunities abound

A spirit of innovation is evident not just in the startups and research organizations themselves, but also in groups and events seeking to elevate communication and collaboration in the Philippine clean energy world.

By our count, there are 18 inspirational events, 15 capacity building initiatives, two startup validation programs, 22 fab labs, 15 networking events, 49 incubators and accelerators, two pitch and demo events, and 25 evangelists.

For example, RebootPH and Our Energy 2030 are youth-led coalitions advocating for awareness and capacity building on renewable energy.

Bottom line: Third-party organizations are helping startups and other clean energy innovators get the word out about breakthrough work.

Plotting Future Energy Innovation in the Philippines

Looking ahead, new market entrants and startups in the Philippines face the typical hurdles you’d expect anywhere: It takes a lot of time, and a lot of capital, to bring a promising idea from seed to market.

In the Philippines in particular, startups face major institutional barriers and regulatory challenges. Still, opportunities exist and are growing thanks to market need, increasing research and development efforts, and a supportive policy environment.

New Energy Nexus calls on accelerator programs, policymakers, and funding entities alike to step up efforts to support energy startups in the Philippines, and together help achieve a 100 percent clean energy economy for 100 percent of the population.

Are you a climate technology startup? Learn how Third Derivative, a global accelerator, can help you drive success and speed to market for your climate innovation, and apply to join our next climate tech accelerator cohort.

Featured photo by Hitoshi Namura on Unsplash

 

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Lucid’s Gravity SUV just smoked the Corvette Z06 to 150 mph

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Lucid's Gravity SUV just smoked the Corvette Z06 to 150 mph

Lucid’s electric minivan can outsprint the Chevy Corvette Z06, and it has more interior space than a Ford Explorer. Is the Lucid Gravity really the “ultimate uncompromising SUV?”

Lucid Gravity SUV is faster than a Corvette Z06

Lucid’s electric SUV is impressive inside and out. The Gravity provides up to 450 miles of driving range, ultra-fast charging (200 miles in under 11 mins), and it even offers up to 120 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s more than the Ford Explorer (87.8 cu ft).

It’s also faster than most sports cars. The Grand Touring trim has up to 845 hp, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds, but the Dream Edition takes it to another level.

Powered by dual electric motors, the Lucid Gravity Dream Edition boasts 1,070 hp. To see how Lucid’s minivan stacks up against the competition, Car and Driver nabbed one for testing.

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On the test track, the Lucid’s minivan covered a quarter-mile in just 10.6 secs, beating a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to 150 mph by nearly three seconds.

According to Car and Driver, the Gravity didn’t just impress in the quarter-mile, “it was a beast in every acceleration metric.” Lucid’s SUV hit 30 mph in 1.4 seconds, 70 mph in 3.7 secs, and topped 100 mph in just 5.9 seconds.

Lucid's-SUV-Corvette-Z06
Lucid Gravity Grand Touring (Source: Lucid)

Dave Vanderwerp, the testing director who took the Gravity for a spin, said the electric SUV “gets a sort of second wave of thrust starting around 60 mph.”

With a quarter-mile of just 10.6 secs, Lucid’s Gravity is the fastest SUV they have ever tested, beating out the Rivian Tri-Motor Max (11.1 secs), BMW iX M60 (11.5 secs), and Mercedes-AMG EQE53 SUV.

Lucid-Gravity-SUV
Lucid Gravity (Source: Lucid)

Although the Rivian’s 850 hp R1S Tri-Motor beat the Gravity to 60 mph, Lucid’s SUV sprinted ahead in the quarter-mile, traveling nearly 20 mph faster.

It was also faster than gas-powered super SUVs, including the Lamborghini Urus Performante (11.2 secs) and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT (11.2 secs). However, they have yet to test a Tesla Model X Plaid, so that could change the game.

Lucid Gravity Dream Edition vs Audi RS Q8 Performance, Range Rover Sport SV, Porsche Macan Turbo Electric, Rivian R1S Quad, and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (Source: Hagerty)

In what it called the “1,000 hp mom missiles” drag race, Hagerty recently pitted the Gravity Dream Edition against the Audi RS Q8 Performance, Range Rover Sport SV, Porsche Macan Turbo Electric, Rivian R1S Quad, and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

The result was a three-way tie between Lucid’s Gravity, the Porsche Panamera Turbo, and Rivian R1S Quad hitting the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds.

The Lucid Gravity is available to order starting at $94,900 in the US. Later this year, Lucid is launching the lower-priced Touring trim, priced from $79,900.

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EIA: Solar outproduced wind for the first time ever in May

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EIA: Solar outproduced wind for the first time ever in May

Solar provided over 11% of total US electrical generation in May, while wind + solar produced over one-fifth, and the mix of all renewable energy sources generated nearly 30%, according to data just released by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Solar continues to set new records

Solar continues to be the fastest-growing source of US electricity, according to EIA’s latest “Electric Power Monthly” report (with data through May 31, 2025), which the SUN DAY Campaign reviewed.

In May alone, electrical generation by utility-scale solar (>1-megawatt (MW)) increased by 33.3% year-over-year, while “estimated” small-scale (e.g., rooftop) solar PV increased by 8.9%. Combined, they grew by 26.4% and provided over 11% of US electrical output during the month.

For the first time ever, the mix of utility-scale and small-scale solar produced more electricity than wind: solar – 38,965 gigawatt-hours (GWh); wind – 36,907-GWh.

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Moreover, utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic expanded by 39.8% while that from small-scale systems rose by 10.7% during the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The combination of utility-scale and small-scale solar increased by 31.1% and was nearly 8.4% of total US electrical generation for January to May – up from 6.6% a year earlier.

Solar-generated electricity easily surpassed the output of US hydropower plants (6.1%). Solar now produces more electricity than hydropower, biomass, and geothermal combined.

Wind is also on the rise in 2025

Wind produced 12.2% of US electricity in the first five months of 2025. Its output was 3.9% greater than the year before, almost double that produced by hydropower.

During the first five months of 2025, electrical generation by wind + utility-scale and small-scale solar provided 20.5% of the US total, up from 18.7% during the first five months of 2024. Solar + wind accounted for nearly 21.5% of US electrical output in May alone.

During the first five months of this year, wind and solar provided 26.2% more electricity than coal, and 15.4% more than US nuclear power plants. In May alone, the disparity increased further when solar + wind outproduced coal and nuclear power by 55.7% and 22.1%, respectively.

All renewables produced almost 30% in May

The mix of all renewables – wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, geothermal – produced 9.7% more electricity in January to May than they did a year ago (7.6% more in May alone) and provided 28.1% of total US electricity production compared to 26.5% 12 months earlier.

Electrical generation by all renewables in May alone provided 29.7% of total US electrical generation. Renewables’ share of electrical generation is now second only to that of natural gas, whose electrical output actually dropped by 5.9% during the month.  

“Solar and wind continue to grow, set new records, and outproduce both coal and nuclear power,” said Ken Bossong, the SUN DAY Campaign’s executive director. “Consequently, the ongoing Republican assault against renewables is not only misguided and illogical but also a good example of shooting oneself in the foot.”

Read more: FERC: Solar + wind made up 96% of new US power generating capacity in first third of 2025


The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

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Podcast: Tesla’s disturbing earnings, self-driving challenge, solid state batteries, and more

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Podcast: Tesla's disturbing earnings, self-driving challenge, solid state batteries, and more

In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss Tesla’s disturbing earnings, a new self-driving challenge, solid-state batteries, and more.

The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Electrek’s YouTube channel.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends at around 5 p.m. ET, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

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We now have a Patreon if you want to help us avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the podcast:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 4:00 p.m. ET (or the video after 5 p.m. ET:

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