Philippines’ Department Of Energy and Department Of Science And Technology Collaborate to Support Renewable Energy Innovation
- June 1, 2024
In the nation’s grab to transition to clean energy, a MOA was signed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have started the journey to joining forces in this cause by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Their agreement seeks for research and development (R&D) initiatives in the Renewable Energy (RE) field.
The collaboration is anchored by the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF), mandated under Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9513, also known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. The RETF is a key provision for funding the R&D, demonstration and promotion of RE systems, with both power and non-power applications within its scope.
These are instigated by recognized R&D institutions joint undertaken in public-private sector partnerships, or energy studies fellowship programs.
Last 2022 saw a great milestone with the passing of Department Circular No. DC2022-06-0018 containing the guidelines for managing the RETF. This aims to optimize the fund to manifest the full implementation of R&D programs.
The MOA stipulates that through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the DOE and DOST will collaborate towards improving the efficiency, affordability, and scalability of RE technologies through research projects. Developing technologies under its scope are solar, wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, and geothermal energy.
The agreement also streamlines the application of research findings and innovations to promote the commercialization of RE technologies to expedite growth in the Philippines’ green economy.
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. served as the signatories in the MOA signing ceremony
Lotilla acknowledges the significance of this collaboration in combining efforts to surpass the technical, economic and policy hurdles towards mainstream assimilation of RE technologies in the country.
Furthermore, he emphasizes the role of R&D in the generation of crucial scientific and technical insights to guide policymakers and market mechanisms in analyzing best practices to support RE deployment.
The DOE and DOST urge the public and private sectors, academe, and citizens to join their cause in supporting innovation for a sustainable future. As a collective force, they hope to reach the goal of renewable energy as the main source of power in the country.
