The Department of Energy (DOE) has held a series of discussions with key officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore potential collaborations on renewable energy and infrastructure projects. The meetings are part of the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to accelerate its transition to cleaner energy sources.
Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla met with Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, to negotiate a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) outlining the scope of possible joint activities in the energy sector.
“These discussions are a crucial step in advancing the country’s energy transition, particularly in attracting investments in renewable energy,” Lotilla said in a Manila Bulletin report. He also emphasized the opportunities available for Emirati investments in the Philippines, particularly in hydrogen, nuclear, and other clean energy technologies.
Other discussions involved meetings with UAE’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment and officials from Masdar, a state-owned renewable energy company. These talks highlighted potential investments in clean energy infrastructure, reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to shifting to sustainable energy solutions.
Several Philippine energy firms, including Maharlika Investment Corp., ACEN Corporation, AboitizPower, and Citicore Renewable Energy Corp., were part of the delegation that met with Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. (ENEC), and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Lotilla reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing clean energy policies and providing incentives for foreign investments. The Philippines is actively exploring hydrogen as an alternative energy source, establishing the Hydrogen Energy Industry Committee to promote investments and technological innovations in this area.
“Hydrogen can be sourced from environments like the Precambrian crystalline shields and ultramafic rocks, which are abundant across the Philippines,” the DOE explained in its statement.
Additionally, discussions on nuclear energy developments, particularly the exploration of small modular reactors (SMRs) for off-grid areas, were also highlighted as part of the government’s priority legislative framework aimed at ensuring energy security while protecting public health and the environment.
The DOE expressed gratitude to various diplomatic and trade officials for supporting these initiatives, including Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, and Consul General Marford Angeles in Dubai.
The energy mission to the UAE follows a similar visit to Saudi Arabia as the Philippines seeks to strengthen international partnerships for its renewable energy ambitions.
