As global oil prices surge and energy markets continue to be disrupted by the escalating unrest in the Middle East, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are reinforcing measures to decarbonize operations and lessen operational reliance on fossil fuels, ensuring continuous connectivity for millions of Filipinos who rely on their services every day.
Since 2021, PLDT and Smart have been embarking on key initiatives to cut by 40% their operational emissions from fuel and electricity use by 2030, coming from a 2019 baseline. These include significant investments in renewable energy (RE) sources and more energy efficient network technologies, as well as in organizational efforts to upskill employees towards a low-carbon economy.
PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr. emphasized how these greening measures have been boosting the Group’s energy security and operational resilience amid the intensifying global impacts of the Middle East crisis.
“Our strategic focus on greening and modernizing our network operations have been crucial in strengthening our readiness, especially at this time of global uncertainty. We remain steadfast in delivering stable and high-quality connectivity and in ensuring that our customers remain protected and prioritized,” he said.
Twenty-seven major PLDT and Smart sites nationwide have shifted dependency on fossil fuels and now run on 100% clean energy. In addition, five facilities in the Visayas have installed solar rooftops. The Group continues to pursue more supply agreements to expand and increase share of RE in its overall power mix.
Complementing these, Smart has adopted an artificial intelligence powered green radio solution, which allows network sites to automatically scale power consumption based on real-time demand. This capability has lowered energy use by more than 10,000 megawatt hours in a single year, cementing the role of technology-driven decarbonization in strengthening network stability.
PLDT and Smart have also assigned over 100 Certified Energy Managers to more than 200 facilities across the country, driving energy efficiency and reductions in power consumption, while ensuring continuous delivery of services.
The Group’s participation in the Retail Aggregation Program through MPower adds another layer of resilience by allowing multiple PLDT and Smart facilities to consolidate their energy requirements, gain access to renewable sources, and secure more stable electricity pricing. Sustainable financing initiatives, such as Smart’s green loan dedicated to energy-efficient 5G rollout, reflect the company’s broader philosophy that decarbonization must be embedded in investment decisions.
Through these initiatives, PLDT and Smart continue to pursue twin objectives of lessening their environmental footprint and keeping the country reliably connected during a global energy crisis.
