DOE, DOST agree to jointly study green technologies

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agreed to collaborate on research projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency, affordability and scalability of renewable energy technologies.

The two agencies signed on Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to foster collaboration in the  advancement of renewable energy (RE) research and development (R&D) through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

Recognizing the crucial role of research and innovation in driving the transition to clean energy, they agreed to utilize the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) mandated under Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act 2008.

The DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2022-06-0018 in 2022, which provides the guidelines for managing the RETF to facilitate the program’s full implementation. The RETF is exclusively used, among others, to finance R&D, demonstration and promotion of RE systems both for power and non-power applications by qualified R&D institutions.

The agreement also facilitates the application of research findings and innovations, promoting the commercialization of RE technologies and the growth of the local green economy.

“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,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.