In a concerted effort to accelerate the transition to clean energy, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have embarked on a collaborative journey by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The agreement is geared towards fostering collaboration in advancing research and development (R&D) initiatives in the field of renewable energy (RE).
Central to this partnership is the utilization of 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 serves as a dedicated resource for financing R&D, demonstration, and promotion of RE systems, encompassing both power and non-power applications. These initiatives are spearheaded by qualified R&D institutions engaged in RE studies or undertaken jointly through public-private sector partnerships, including fellowship programs for energy studies.
In 2022, the DOE took a significant step forward with the issuance of Department Circular No. DC2022-06-0018, which provides comprehensive guidelines for managing the RETF. This directive aims to streamline the administration of the fund, facilitating the full implementation of RE R&D programs.
Under the MOA, the DOE and DOST, through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), will collaborate on research projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency, affordability, and scalability of RE technologies. This includes advancements in solar, wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, geothermal energy, and other emerging technologies.
Furthermore, the agreement facilitates the application of research findings and innovations, fostering the commercialization of RE technologies and stimulating growth in the local green economy.
The MOA signing ceremony saw the participation of Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. Secretary Lotilla highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the collective efforts to drive innovation and overcome technical, economic, and policy challenges hindering the widespread adoption of RE technologies.
Secretary Lotilla also underscored the role of R&D in providing policymakers with invaluable scientific and technical insights, aiding in the analysis of policy frameworks and market mechanisms to support the deployment of RE.
In a call to action, the DOE and DOST invite stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to join hands in supporting this partnership. Together, they aim to enhance the development and greater utilization of renewable energy, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
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