In support of the country’s goal of increasing the share of renewables in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, REalTalk mobilizes campaigners to influence more companies and entities to transition to renewable energy through the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP).

“While GEOP is still in its infancy stage, we can see that the program works and is indeed generating significant savings for many of its users. There are many more who wish to source power from cleaner sources while saving on costs but are not aware of the program or the switching process. Stronger implementation of GEOP is needed to fully unlock its potential and provide more entities the power of choice,” Nazrin Castro, Branch Manager of The Climate Reality Project Philippines, explained. 

As fossil fuels continue to dominate the power mix in the Philippines, REalTalk recognizes the potential of GEOP to accelerate just energy transition by engaging the private sector to source power from renewable energy. The workshop supports the country’s roadmap of providing reliable, accessible, and affordable energy for all while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

With more than 280 registrants, REalTalk will tackle key energy issues and topics, with a special focus on GEOP as a tangible pathway for entities to transition to renewable energy without capital costs. The workshop commences with a series of virtual workshops on March 23, 28, and 30 followed by in-person regional workshops in Luzon (May 18-21), Visayas (July 20-23), and Mindanao (September 21-24). 

“For this year, we put the spotlight on GEOP by sharing stories and insights from participating companies and offices, as well as from renewable energy suppliers. As we cater to a bigger batch of participants this year, it is also important to show how GEOP situates in our power landscape and how it can help achieve our national targets on renewable energy,” said Christian Soqueño, the organization’s RE Energy PH Program Lead. 

REalTalk was launched last year as part of Climate Reality Philippines’ “RE Energize PH” initiative, which is supported by the Tara Climate Foundation. A campaign plan was developed with the participants who committed to engaging companies, schools, hospitals, and other entities and convincing them to switch to renewable energy through GEOP. For this year, the regional workshops, organized in partnership with AktivAsia, will focus on bringing the GEOP campaign to a wider audience in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

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