The Philippines government is mulling over shutdown of all coal mines across the country, as the country strives to realize a fast-track transition to clean energy, an official said.

Michael Sinocruz, director for energy policy and planning at the country's Department of Energy (DOE), said on September 3 that the DOE was exploring the possibility to stop the operations of coal plants across the country.

He added that the department has partnered with the United Nations Office for Project Services to study the impact of the closure on the economy and the country's power supply.

"I told them that we need to study the impact if we're going to close down our coal mines and coal power plants," he said on the sidelines of the Philippines Energy Transition Dialogue 2025.

The study is expected to begin next year, and will focus on potential impacts on livelihoods of workers and host communities dependent on coal mining operations, according to Sinocruz. He also said it will include alternatives to alleviate the blow on local economy and energy sector.

While backing the DOE's energy transition efforts, Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the country's leading coal miner, said coal remains the backbone of the baseload supply of the country, for it ensures affordable and reliable power.

Currently, coal-fired power plants account for 62.5% of the country's power generation mix, while renewable energy accounts for 22.2%. The country plans to increase the share of renewable energy to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

"Any move to phase it out will need careful study, timing and planning to ensure energy security and protect livelihoods," said SMPC when sought for comments.