According to Gulf News, the Philippines is committing billions of dollars to large-scale hydropower projects as part of a strategy to meet the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centers while reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels.
The investments will focus on pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities, which can store energy for peak demand periods and help stabilize the grid. These projects are expected to support the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, which requires reliable, low-carbon electricity.
Officials say the move aligns with the country's renewable energy goals and its aim to attract tech investments. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact on river ecosystems and displacement of communities.