Sustainable Energy Planning for Local Government Units in the Philippines

In this project, the Reiner Lemoine Institute works together with national and local partners to develop a coherent framework for sustainable energy planning for Local Government Units in the Philippines, with the aim of strengthening institutional capacities and embedding energy planning in local governance structures.

Local Government Units (LGUs) play an essential role in achieving national energy goals. However, many LGUs were unable to fully harness the benefits brought by sustainable energy due to lack of familiarity or capability to mainstream it at LGU-level and integrate it into local planning frameworks. Capacity-development initiatives for LGUs in energy planning have been limited, often implemented as stand-alone projects or restricted to LGUs already deemed ready to pursue energy transitions. Reliance on short-term external support has hindered the continuity and replication of these efforts. To scale up and sustain progress, institutionalizing capacity development on sustainable energy planning is essential, equipping LGUs with the policy, technical, and financial knowledge needed to drive localized energy transitions.

As the implementing partner of this project, the Reiner Lemoine Institute is working with the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Local Government Academy (LGA) to strengthen its capacity to be the primary learning hub for local sustainable energy planning. The project is led by the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), a programme of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) which works to support a sustainable energy transition in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the project partner Center for Empowerment, Innovation and Training on Renewable Energy (CentRE). The project aims to enhance the capacity of LGUs to actively shape the energy transition at the local level and integrate energy planning in key local policy instruments thus supporting national climate and energy goals. In doing so, local policy support for the country’s energy transition goals can be strengthened.

Capacity development for local energy planning

LGUs play a central role in implementing the energy transition in the Philippines. With laws and guidelines such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EEC), the government requires cities and municipalities to develop energy efficiency plans and record their energy consumption. Together with RLI, a practical and adaptable capacity development program is to be developed that equips local leaders and mid-level officials in LGUs with the necessary knowledge, appropriate tools, and confidence to actively shape and implement sustainable energy planning.

Strengthening local expertise and networks

As part of this project, the Department of Interior and Local Government–Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA) will be strengthened and serve as a leading training center for LGUs in the field of sustainable energy planning. To this end, RLI will develop and implement a pilot training program for LGUs. In addition, a knowledge network will be established between the DILG-LGA and partner organizations. The project thus lays the foundation for a fair, decentralized, and climate-friendly energy future in the Philippines.

Project Period: Oktober 2025 – Oktober 2026

• Development of a pilot training program
• Establishment of a knowledge network
• Development and piloting of a training program for local administrations on renewable energy, renewable resources, and energy conservation
• Establishment and institutional anchoring of training structures at DILG-LGA
• Creation of guidelines, training materials, and knowledge transfer formats
• Establishment of a network of knowledge and training partners
• Support for local decision-makers in integrating sustainable energy planning into municipal strategies