Recognizing the crucial role of research and innovation in driving the transition to clean energy, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at fostering collaboration in the advancement of renewable energy (RE) research and development (R&D). This partnership will utilize the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) mandated under Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act 2008.
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 engaged in RE studies or undertaken jointly through public-private sector partnerships, including a fellowship for energy studies.
In 2022, the DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2022-06-0018, which provides the guidelines for managing the RETF to facilitate the program's full implementation.
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, including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, geothermal energy and other emerging technologies.
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.
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," Secretary Lotilla said.
The Secretary also noted that R&D may aid policymakers with scientific and technical insights in analyzing policy frameworks and market mechanisms to support the deployment of RE.
The DOE and DOST invite stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to join hands in supporting this partnership to enhance the development and greater RE utilization. ###