DOE, DOST partner for R&D on renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology for the conduct of renewable energy (RE) research and development (R&D).

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement for both agencies to work on research projects for the efficiency, affordability and scalability of RE technologies through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

“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 said.

He added that the R&D could help policymakers with scientific and technical insights in analyzing policy frameworks and market mechanisms involving RE.

The agreement also involves the application of the research findings towards the commercialization of renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, geothermal energy and others.

The partnership will make use of the renewable energy trust fund (RETF) pursuant to the Section 28 of the Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act signed by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in October 2008.

The fund is “exclusively used” to finance the research and development, demonstration and promotion of renewable energy systems “for power and non-power applications, as well as to provide funding for R&D institutions engaged in renewable energy studies undertaken jointly through public-private sector partnership.”

Both the DOE and DOST invited stakeholders from public and private sectors, academic and civil society to support the partnership aimed at enhancing the development of RE.