Use coal or invest in renewables: a real options analysis of energy investments in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the comparative attractiveness of either investing in various renewable energy sources or continue using coal for electricity generation in the Philippines. Using real options approach, this research evaluates the investment value and trigger prices of coal for switching technologies with some scenarios in coal price uncertainty and social discount rate. The results find that investing in renewable energy is a better option than continue using coal for electricity generation. Among renewable energy sources, geothermal is the most attractive to invest to, followed by wind, hydroelectric, and solar photovoltaic.