The Philippines, through the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Republic of Korea have officially kicked off the 2024/25 Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP), a key bilateral initiative aimed at fostering energy cooperation and building a secure, resilient energy system for the future.
The KSP was conceived following high-level discussions between the governments of the Philippines and Korea in August 2024. It serves as a strategic platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices, enabling the Philippines to benefit from Korea’s advancements in energy technologies while showcasing its own strengths in renewable energy, particularly in geothermal and pumped hydropower generation.
The program brings together leading Korean energy institutions, namely the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). Additionally, the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of Korea serves as the program’s official coordinating organization for Philippine government-related affairs under KSP, facilitating energy cooperation between the Philippines and Korea.
DOE Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, who represented Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla during the kick-off meeting, underscored the program’s importance in shaping evidence-based policies and enhancing institutional capacities. “Through the KSP, we aim to gain invaluable insights and best practices that will help us craft policies, strengthen our institutions, and implement innovative energy solutions that respond to our country’s evolving energy landscape,” said Undersecretary Sales.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who also attended the kick-off meeting, emphasized the program’s role in deepening bilateral ties and advancing shared sustainability goals. “Both our countries envision a greener, more sustainable future. This Knowledge Sharing Program provides an opportunity for mutual learning --- Korea can benefit from the Philippines’ longstanding expertise in geothermal and pumped-storage hydropower, while we can gain valuable insights from Korea’s advancements in smart grids, battery technologies, and nuclear energy,” he said.
The 2024/25 KSP will focus on critical energy priorities, including the integration of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, renewable energy integration and grid modernization, advanced battery storage systems, and nuclear energy development. As the country works towards achieving a 35% renewable energy share by 2030 and explores nuclear energy as part of its future energy mix, the program will provide essential technical support and policy guidance.
As part of the program, the Philippines has submitted three key proposals that align with its energy transition and socioeconomic development goals. These include initiatives on accelerating electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure, integrating floating solar and smart grid technologies, and strengthening capacity building for clean energy development.
Since its inception in 2004, KSP has supported over 759 research programs across 1,300 topics, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and enhance institutional capabilities. The program has played a significant role in advancing energy cooperation between Korea and its partner countries, including the Philippines.
AEDC Chairman Yoon Sukhun expressed appreciation for the Philippines’ longstanding partnership with Korea, highlighting the broader significance of the initiative. “This program is not just about technology transfer, it is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared commitment of our nations to sustainable energy development,” he said.
With the formal launch of the 2024/25 KSP, the Philippines and Korea reaffirm their dedication to fostering strong energy cooperation, leveraging shared knowledge, and driving forward sustainable energy solutions that will benefit both nations in the years to come. ###