The two departments signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Taguig City to further promote renewable energy in the Philippines. The departments will utilize funds from the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF), as mandated under Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9513, also known as the Renewable Energy Act 2008.
The DOE and DOST, through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), will cooperate on research projects for more efficient, cost-effective and superior technologies for renewable energy. This includes solar, wind, water, geothermal energy and other new technologies.
The funding will also support demonstrations and promotion of renewable energy systems for power and non-power applications by qualified research and development institutions related to renewable energy studies. The MOA was signed by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. "By joining forces with the DOST, we aim to leverage our collective strengths and resources to drive innovation and overcome technical, economic, and policy challenges to facilitate the widespread adoption of RE technologies," Lotilla stated.
The DOE and DOST also invite stakeholders from public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to collaborate in this partnership to maximize the country's use of renewable energy.
(Photo from the Department of Energy)
