The Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered to increase private investments in advanced energy technology to ensure energy security in the country.
In line with this partnership, the DOE and USAID kicked off a three-day Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Activity Co-design Workshop, which aims to promote private investments in the energy sector. The virtual workshop was organized to communicate and clarify the objectives, targets and strategies of the ESP relative to Philippine energy sector priorities; validate and/or update the tasks and interventions relevant to the Philippine government; gain support for ESP and identify potential partnerships; and elicit recommendations to improve the ESP’s implementation.
According to DOE Secretary, the US remains a solid ally and one of the country’s major trading partners. DOE is hopeful that this collaboration to promote energy security and development will be sustained and even enhanced. This activity comes at an opportune time for the energy sector as it plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable economic development, especially now that the country is gearing up for recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The DOE also stated that the ESP will help the country in deploying advanced energy technology and boost energy resiliency.
It is anticipated that this project will contribute to the shared goals with the US government’s Asia-Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy or Asia-EDGE Initiative to help combat poverty and foster economic progress.
Joining the ESP workshop were representatives from the National Transmission Corporation, National Electrification Administration, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Climate Change Commission, Mindanao Development Authority, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and the Philippine Competition Commission.
(Source: Philippine News Agency)