Connect with us

Published

on

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

 

Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica Member, Supporter, Technician, or Ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

 

 


Advertisement



 


Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Continue Reading

Environment

Here are 6 great reasons rural drivers SHOULD embrace EVs in 2026

Published

on

By

Here are 6 great reasons rural drivers SHOULD embrace EVs in 2026

America’s heartland is full of rural communities that are miles away from its major cities, both geographically and culturally – but that doesn’t mean these more sparsely populated regions can’t reap the benefits of electrification. In fact, EVs offer rural drivers even more benefits than they do to city-dwellers!

“An electric lifestyle would be a boon to our rural heartland,” wrote the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Maria Cecilia Pinto de Moura. “Rural communities across the country have their own distinguishing characteristics, but certain shared characteristics such as driving distances, the type of vehicles driven, and socio-economics are factors which contribute to this larger potential to benefit from vehicle electrification.”

Pinto de Moura went on to outline five ways rural and country drivers could benefit from going electric – but that was in 2021, and a whole lot has changed in the nearly five years since.

As such, I thought it was high time we revisit some of the reasons EVs could be a great fit for rural lifestyles, see if we could uncover any new ones, and outline the reasons we think rural drivers should rush to embrace electric vehicles in the coming calendar year.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

1. More miles means more savings


David Blenkle's 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, used for his own car service, has surpassed more than 250,000 miles in three years, providing a real-world example of what's possible with high-milage electric vehicles.
David Blenkle’s 252,000 mile Mustang Mach-E; via Ford.

When you hear that line about, “the average American drives 30 to 40 miles a day,” remember that in towns like Wellington, Ohio, or Colfax, Washington, 30 miles is a grocery run. Each way. So when people trot out that old line about range anxiety, what rural drivers actually hear isn’t reassurance. It’s dismissal — a suggestion that they drive too far for an EV to work, when nothing could be further from the truth.

A recent study by Rural Climate Partnership found that rural drivers spend an average of 44% more on fuel than city dwellers, and that the top 3.6% of rural drivers — the “supermilers” who rack up the most miles — could save over $4,000 each year by switching to electric fuel.

2. Electric trucks have arrived


Here’s How Much The 2026 GMC Sierra EV Can Tow
Sierra AT4 EV towing a boat; via GM.

Country guys and gals love their pickups, and arguably the single biggest difference between the EV markets of 2021 and 2025 is the proliferation of electric trucks and SUVs ready to help haul, chore, camp, and tow.

Why not save your expensive horses from breathing in gas and diesel exhaust. Haul ’em with your quiet new EV, instead!

3. Home charging just works


Rivian-Tesla-Powerwall
R1S home charging; via Rivian.

With only about 45% of rural counties having access to DC fast charging, public charging still isn’t as visible as many first-time EV buyers might like, but it’s far better than it used to be — and improving fast. Still, that’s not the real EV advantage. Home charging is.

Unlike many apartment-dwelling urban drivers, most rural owners can charge right at home. More than 80% of rural households have a driveway or garage that are ideal for overnight Level 2 charging, and many already have a 240V outlet, keeping setup costs (if there even are any) to a minimum.

Plug in before bed, wake up to a full battery every morning, and do it for pennies on the dollar, especially with off-peak rates.

4. Lifesaving battery power


Ford-Lightning-V2H
F-150 Lightning plugged in; via Ford.

If disaster strikes and you lose power, many electric trucks have the ability to power your home and appliances with the energy stored in their massive batteries – either from the truck itself, or through a V2X home battery system. If you live in an area prone to extreme weather events, the ability to keep medication refrigerated can be a literal life-saver!

5. EVs are more affordable than ever


Ford E-Transit Van
E-transit electric van; via Ford.

It’s been a few years since a working class guy could reasonably expect to get a new pickup for less than $50,000. And, while much has been made of the “high cost of electric vehicles,” the truth is that thanks to killer lease deals, new tax incentives, and companies like Ford Pro and TRC that are willing to help you find even more funding to help pay for them, EVs can often be had for less than a comparable gas model.

As such, getting behind the wheel of an ultra-powerful, ultra smooth-running electric pickup truck from your favorite brand is easier than ever.

6. Energy independence and American jobs


Canoo-US-Army
GM Defense electric military vehicle; via GM.

At the risk of sounding like a paranoid red hat, rural Americans are proud Americans – just like rural Canadians are proud Canadians. Unfortunately, every gallon of gas burned in their pickups and SUVs came from oil drilled, refined, and traded on global markets — and that means supporting the oil business and economies of nations whose values don’t always align with, or maybe are even outright hostile to theirs.

Switching to an EV can help more of that money right here at home, especially as more and better battery recycling efforts come online and newer battery and anode/cathode chemistries are developed, reducing dependence on rare Earth metals, cobalt, and even lithium.

Even better, thanks to the rapid expansion and dramatically reduced costs of wind and solar power, you can power your EV with energy that is 100% Made in the USA, that doesn’t support foreign oil interests even indirectly, and which creates good-paying construction and maintenance jobs for local workers.

What am I missing?


Kia-EV6-GT-lease
EV6 GT burnout; via Kia.

There are obviously more reasons to go electric than these, from lower cost of ownership to saving the planet to absolutely killer burnouts that would make the one-tire-fire era IROC Camaros hang their 305s in shame – but I think those kind of fade into the background as being appealing to all, instead of being especially appealing to rural drivers.

That said, it’s been a long time since I was back in Ohio, so maybe I’ve forgotten what it’s like. You guys are smart, head on down to the comments and let me know what I missed!

Original content from Electrek.


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. 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.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Honda is still offering nearly $17,000 off the Prologue EV

Published

on

By

Honda is still offering nearly ,000 off the Prologue EV

Honda’s electric SUV is on a roll. The Prologue was the third best-selling EV in the US in August, trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Even with the federal EV tax credit now expired, Honda is still offering nearly $17,000 off the Prologue.

Honda Prologue registrations surge with huge incentives

As the $7,500 credit expired at the end of September, automakers rolled out steep discounts, many topping five figures with combined incentives.

The Honda Prologue has been one of the most discounted EVs over the past year or so. Last month, buyers could score up to over $20,000 in combined savings, including a $7,500 credit, $9,500 in financing bonuses, trade-in offers, and 0% interest for six years.

According to the latest registration data from S&P Global Mobility (via Automotive News), the incentives helped propel the Honda Prologue to become the third most popular EV in August.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

A total of 138,457 EVs were registered in the US in August, up 24% from a year ago. Honda Prologue registrations surged 81% to 9,005 vehicles, the data showed.

Honda-Prologue-EV-incentives
2025 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Honda’s electric SUV had more registrations than the Chevy Equinox EV in August, and it’s based on the same GM Ultium platform. However, the Equinox is still outselling the Prologue through September.

Since some automakers don’t report monthly or US sales numbers, the S&P Global Mobility data offers a snapshot of sales performance.

Honda-Prologue-EV-discounts
2025 Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

The Prologue was yet again one of the most discounted models, with incentives of $12,704 in August, according to Motor Intelligence. Last August, Prologue incentives were just $5,813. Honda’s gas-powered CR-V had just $2,016 in incentives in August.

Honda-Prologue-$20,000-off
The interior of the 2025 Honda Prologue Elite (Source: Honda)

Although the $7,500 credit expired on September 30, Honda is still offering generous incentives for Prologue buyers and lessees.

The 2025 Honda Prologue is available with up to $16,550 in lease cash in most states. The offer includes $5,000 in lease bonus cash, $8,250 in Honda lease cash, and a $3,3300 loyalty or conquest bonus. Honda is offering the deal until November 11. Or, you can opt for 0% APR financing for up to 60 months.


2025 Honda Prologue trim
Starting Price* EPA Range
(miles)
EX (FWD) $47,400 308
EX (AWD) $50,400 294
Touring (FWD) $51.700 308
Touring (AWD) $54,700 294
Elite (AWD) $57,900 283
2025 Honda Prologue prices and range by trim (*Does not include $1,450 D&H fee)

Although the Acura ZDX will not return for a 2026 model year, Honda is planning to launch the 2026 Prologue. We have yet to learn prices, but we could see it priced slightly lower due to the loss of the $7,500 EV credit.

Hyundai announced earlier this month it’s reducing 2026 IONIQ 5 prices by up to nearly $10,000 on some trims. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 now starts at under $35,000. Hyundai is offering leases as low as $289 per month right now. Will Honda match it?

Want to see the Prologue in person? You can use our link to find Honda Prologue models near you (trusted affiliate link).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Kia is handing out free ‘gas-scented’ car fresheners with its new EV

Published

on

By

Kia is handing out free 'gas-scented' car fresheners with its new EV

Kia has a new idea. So you don’t miss the smell of gasoline too much when you trade in for its new EV, Kia is giving away free gas-scented air fresheners.

Kia offers gas-scented car fresheners for EV4 buyers

It’s time to trade that new car scented tree dangling from your rearview mirror for a jerry can that smells like… gasoline?

Astara Auto Finland, which imports Kia’s vehicles into Finland, is giving away free gasoline-scented car fresheners for those buying the new EV4.

Although it may seem like Kia’s poking fun at the gas guzzlers, it’s actually partly designed to ease your transition to an EV.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

“Giving up the combustion engine can feel like a huge step, just like giving up anything else that is familiar. We wanted to add a touch of nostalgic fun to the transition with a gas-scented car freshener,” Klaus Pohjala, commercial director at Astara Auto Finland, said.

The scent was created by Finland’s sole perfumier, Max Perttula, who has developed fragrances for other premium brands.

Kia-gas-scented-car-freshener
Kia starts EV4 hatchback production in Europe, its first EV built in Europe (Source: Kia UK)

According to Pertulla, he mostly used scents found in men’s fragrances, but added a bit of Jasmine to top things off. “It may sound wild that it’s jasmine of all things that contains compounds with a fragrance that creates associations with gasoline,” Pertulla said, but it works.

The fragrance came to life after metalizing and sanding it with amber compounds, birch tar, and galbanum, he explained.

Kia-EV4
The Kia EV4 hatchback at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich (Source: Kia)

Of course, it’s a bit of a “cheeky campaign,” Pertulla said, but Kia aims to add a little fun for new EV drivers. The latest campaign comes after Kia’s importer ran a controversial front-page ad last year mocking traditional luxury automakers, claiming EVs have leveled the playing field.

The EV4 is rolling out in Europe, in both hatchback and sedan variants. Early next year, Kia will launch the sedan version in the US.

Do you miss the smell of gas? After driving an EV for years, I still think that it’s one of the best parts of owning one. Drop us a comment below and let us know what you think.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending