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On the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum, the Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to bolster capacity building and further the country’s energy goals.
First MOU: DOE and PAEF
The DOE, in collaboration with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), will create scholarships and other human resource development initiatives aimed at the Philippine energy industry. With this MOU, the United States will provide consultancy services, speaking engagements, training, and research in the Philippines. In the same way, it will also support visiting fellowship awards for advanced research, training programmes, and educational exchange between both nations. The partnership is intended to increase the quantity and quality of Filipino professionals in the energy field through non-credit classes, research, training, and information sharing at US universities and colleges
Second MOU: DOE and USAID
The second MOU is focused on strengthening the partnership between the U. S. and the Philippines signed with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The US Agency for International Development or USAID will support development projects through its Energy Secure Philippines or ESP and other programs. The support will aim to optimize the energy utility, boost the level of deployment of superior energy sources and systems, foster competition, strengthen energy infrastructure, and guarantee supply reliability.
Additionally, USAID will support the DOE in championing the clean energy transition, advancing the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, and formulating a Smart and Green Grid Roadmap. These initiatives conform to the Philippines’ obligations and actions towards climate change as enshrined in its NDCs under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
DOE’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
The DOE is committed to a sustainable energy plan and has its framework to increase the share of renewable energy in the country. The targets include raising the minimum level of renewable energy in the electric power generation mix to 35% by the year 2033 and 50% by the year 2040. Offshore wind energy is also expected to contribute to the achievement of these goals. Also, the government is considering options such as nuclear power and the possibility of incorporating storage and other new solutions into the energy sector.
Statements from Key Officials
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla highlighted the importance of collaboration with PAEF for advanced training in the clean energy sector and developing necessary human resources, including opportunities for civil nuclear cooperation. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink emphasized that the MOU signing demonstrates the U.S. government’s commitment to developing highly skilled professionals, institutionalizing robust policies, and fostering lasting commercial partnerships for a sustainable and secure civil nuclear industry.
MOU Signing Ceremony
The MOUs were signed by Secretary Lotilla on behalf of the DOE, with Chairperson John Groch representing PAEF and Mission Director Ryan Washburn representing USAID. The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink, marking a significant step towards enhancing the Philippines’ energy sector through international collaboration.