Manila will once again take the spotlight in the global energy dialogue as it hosts POWERTRENDS 2025: The Energy Transition Showdown – Decrypting Risks, Rivalries and Opportunities in the Shifting Power Map on October 2–3, 2025 at the New World Makati Hotel.
Organized by Leverage International (Consultants), Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Energy, local and international supporting organizations, the two-day conference brings together a distinguished lineup of policymakers, regulators, business executives, and innovators to address the urgent challenges facing the power sector amid geopolitical shifts, economic disruptions, and the accelerating push for clean energy.
A Pivotal Gathering
“This year’s forum could not come at a more critical moment,” organizers noted, pointing to rising global energy demand, volatile fossil fuel markets, and the Philippines’ own transition to cleaner and more secure energy sources. “POWERTRENDS has always been about foresight and solutions, and this year’s discussions are more urgent than ever.”
Day 1: Addressing Critical Risks
The opening day will feature special messages from the Secretary of Energy, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry and keynote insights from Ms. Agamoni Ghosh , Managing Editor for Carbon Markets Pricing of S&P Global Commodity Insights, who will discuss carbon pricing in APAC and its impact on decarbonization. Atty. Nancy Aurora Q. Fajardo, Executive Director of the Energy Regulatory Commission, will follow with ERC’s vision for regulatory reform under the theme “Rules, Risks, and the Road Ahead.”
Sessions will confront pressing issues under the banner “In a New Era of Unpredictability: Critical Issues We Must Address.” Topics include rising and expanding energy demand—led by Mr. Michael O. Sinocruz, Director of the Department of Energy Policy and Planning Bureau— environmental risks, fossil fuel reliance, and legal challenges that could disrupt transition progress.
Later, Ms. Ruth Yu-Owen from the Management Association of the Philippines will moderate a panel on the multifaceted nature of energy transition, with participation from organizations including the Asian PV Industry Association, Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance, Wind Energy Developers Association, Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines, and Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Energy.
A forward-looking session on the driving forces of energy transition will also take place, featuring Undersecretary Mylene C. Capongcol of the Department of Energy, Mr. Ronald Acio of GHD, Mr. Alexander Ablaza of PE2, Mr. Marc Louis L. Olap of DOE, and Mr. Edmund Araga of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines.
Day 2: Finance, Innovation, and Energy 4.0
The second day will pivot to future-focused themes, beginning with Mr. J.V. Emmanuel “Jocot” De Dios, President of Manila Water Company Inc., who will tackle the water-energy nexus—a critical but often overlooked dimension of sustainability.
A high-level Presidents and CEOs Panel will bring together leaders from BDO Capital, BPI Capital, the Securities and Exchange Commission, ING, and Green Tiger Markets to explore how green finance can accelerate the transition.
Discussions will also highlight Energy 4.0, where digitalization, emerging technologies, and new business models are reshaping the sector. The program will culminate in a showcase of cutting-edge Philippine innovations, including the Retail Aggregation Program, floating solar developments, and the country’s largest wind turbine generator project to date.
A Premier Forum for Energy Decision-Makers
Over the years, POWERTRENDS has earned its reputation as the premier energy conference in the Philippines, providing a vital platform for dialogue between government, industry, and academia. This year’s edition promises to be no exception, offering participants a chance to engage with key decision-makers, forge strategic partnerships, and gain insights into the future of global and local energy.
POWERTRENDS 2025 is expected to attract policymakers, investors, regulators, academics, and private sector leaders who share a stake in shaping a secure, sustainable, and forward-looking energy sector.
For participation inquiries, interested parties may contact the Secretariat at leverage@leverageinternational.com.