A mission of five Czech energy technology suppliers confirmed strong interest among Philippine partners in power plant modernization, servicing and new solutions for hydro, thermal and off-grid installations.

From 28 September to 2 October 2026, the CzechTrade Philippines office, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila, organized a specialized energy business mission. Five Czech companies took part: Agile Energy Labs, CINK Hydro-Energy, Doosan Škoda Power, Innomotics and TES VSETIN. The mission began in Indonesia with program organized by local CzechTrade Indonesia office as well as visit to Enlit Asia 2026 and continued in Metro Manila, where the CzechTrade office arranged meetings with government agencies, energy companies and industry associations.

Meetings with government agencies and private companies

The office approached leading energy companies and built a week-long program tailored to the profile of each participating company. The Czech delegation met representatives of the Department of Energy (DE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPP), coordinating public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Discussions covered current projects, regulatory conditions and the needs of the local market. Further meetings took place with major power producers, operators of hydro, coal, gas and geothermal plants, EPC contractors and a European business chamber. Each participant had time to present its solutions, ask follow-up questions and speak directly with decision-makers.

Where the opportunities lie

The Philippines is dealing with rising electricity demand, and power prices across ASEAN are at record highs. In 2026, the government launched its Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), which aims to add at least 25 GW of new renewable capacity by 2035. Nuclear power is also emerging as a long-term option. The meetings pointed to the following areas in particular:

•         Hydropower: rehabilitation and modernization of ageing plants, including replacement of generators and electrical equipment. Operators report that many of their installations are around 15 years old and will soon require refurbishment.

•         Thermal and gas-fired generation: capacity uprates, efficiency improvements, life extension and major overhauls of steam turbines.

•         Hybrid and off-grid solutions: combinations of solar PV, battery storage and diesel generators, remote monitoring and long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts, especially for island microgrids.

•         Motors, generators and drive systems: servicing, spare parts and refurbishment of existing equipment.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) as well as president of PhilHydro Assiciation advises foreign suppliers to enter the market through locally licensed suppliers, EPC contractors and project developers rather than by selling directly to end customers. Finding a local service and installation partner is therefore key.

Networking event: the foundation for future cooperation

The mission also included the Czech National Day Reception on 29 September, attended by around 500 guests, and the “Meet Czech Energy Innovators” networking event on 1 October. The evening was opened by the Czech Ambassador to the Philippines, Karel Hejč, and the keynote speaker Mr. Jeffrey I. Manalo from Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPP). The event was attended by 50 selected representatives of the Philippine business and public sectors. Each Czech company had 10 to 15 minutes to present, followed by time for one-to-one conversations.

The event helped not only to broaden professional networks but also to build personal relationships, which are essential to long-term business success in the Philippines.

Note by the Director of CzechTrade Philippines part of CzechBusiness

“I would like to thank all the Czech participants for their exceptionally professional approach. They arrived at every meeting well prepared, and the commitment with which they presented their companies was truly impressive. Our Philippine partners appreciated it. The week was not easy to organize. Traffic in Metro Manila is challenging, and distances stretch out considerably in heavy congestion, yet everyone coped. I had to adjust the plan several times on the go to reflect changing circumstances and needs, and all company representatives accepted this with great flexibility and a good attitude. That kind of approach is invaluable for succeeding on the Philippine market.”

Ondřej Puchinger, Director, CzechTrade Philippines

Next steps: actively follow up on the contacts made

CzechTrade Philippines will continue to build on the relationships established during the mission and will keep exploring the Philippine energy sector in greater depth. The sector is becoming increasingly important as the country faces electricity supply shortages, and recent government measures are opening the door for experienced foreign companies to share their expertise and know-how, look for joint-venture opportunities and help bring the cost of electricity to a more competitive level. Many Czech companies are well placed to strengthen the portfolio of Philippine energy services and improve power generation.

Interested in the Philippine energy market?  Get in touch with CzechTrade Philippines. We connect technologically advanced Czech companies with local market leaders and operators, and we will help you find and vet a local partner, prepare a targeted contact list and organise business meetings. Further missions and energy events in the Philippines are in preparation.

Author: CzechTrade Philippines Office