POWERTRENDS 2025 was held on October 2–3, 2025, at the New World Makati Hotel. Organized by Leverage International (Consultants), Inc. with support from the Department of Energy and other local and international organizations, the two-day event gathered key policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to tackle pressing energy challenges driven by global shifts and the transition to clean powers.

The opening day began with special messages from the Secretary of Energy and Her Excellency Anna Ferry, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines.

Philippine Energy Demand Outlook

Mr. Michael O. Sinocruz, Director of the Department of Energy's Policy and Planning Bureau, delivered a presentation on the Rising and Expanding Energy Demand in the Philippines, highlighting key insights from the Philippine Energy Plan 2030–2050.

He identified the primary drivers of increasing energy demand, including population growth and urbanization, an expanding economy and industrial sector, the rise of the digital economy (data centers, ICT, AI), and climate change adaptation, particularly the growing need for cooling systems.

He concluded his presentation with a powerful message:

“Our rising energy demand reflects the country’s growth story. By managing it wisely through sustainable investments and sound policies, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for a secure, affordable, and resilient energy future.”

Global Perspectives on ESCOs and Energy Efficiency

Mr. Alexander Ablaza, President of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2), delivered an engaging presentation on “The Global ESCO Market: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities,” emphasizing the pivotal role of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in driving decarbonization and enhancing energy resilience. He highlighted how ESCOs are central to achieving global energy efficiency and climate goals, yet their growth is uneven across regions due to disparities in policy frameworks, access to financing, and technology deployment.

While the ESCO market is well established in countries such as the United States, China, Taiwan, and across Europe, many emerging economies continue to face significant barriers—though they also hold considerable untapped potential. Financing remains the most persistent bottleneck, with limited use of financial instruments and shorter private-sector contracts constraining project scale and impact.

Mr. Ablaza also highlighted the importance of clear policies, regulatory support, and incentives to enable growth and innovation across sectors.

POWERTRENDS 2025 reaffirmed its status as the Philippines’ leading energy conference, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and investors to exchange insights, build partnerships, and help shape a more secure and sustainable energy future.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Riding on the success and strong momentum of this year’s event, POWERTRENDS 2026: International Conference and Exhibition on Directions for Energy, Power, and Electricity is set to return bigger and better in October 2026—resuming it’s exhibition component that will showcase the latest innovations, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of the energy sector.