2 weeks ago
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has kicked off a key bilateral initiative with the Republic of Korea in support of the ongoing renewable energy (RE) efforts in the Philippines.
According to the DOE, both parties have begun the knowledge sharing program (KSP), which is meant to be a strategic platform to exchange expertise and practices to draw in South Korea’s advanced energy technologies to the Philippines.
The KSP would also explore strengths in RE, especially within geothermal and pumped hydropower generation.
The program will focus on critical energy priorities such as the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure, renewable energy (RE) integration and grid modernization, battery storage systems, and nuclear energy—areas in which South Korea has affirmed its commitment in previous discussions with the national government.
The Philippines has also proposed three key initiatives aligned with the program’s goals, including capacity building for clean energy.
The program stemmed from earlier discussions between the Philippines and South Korea last August 2024 and had brought in energy institutions, including Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC).
AEDC would be the program’s coordinating organization for government-related affairs to manage the countries’ energy cooperation.
“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 DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also emphasized the importance of the KSP and cited the mutual benefits to be attained from the program.
“Both our countries envision a greener, more sustainable future. This KSP provides an opportunity for mutual learning,” he stated.
“South Korea can benefit from the Philippines’ longstanding expertise in geothermal and pumped-storage hydropower, while we can gain valuable insights from South Korea’s advancements in smart grids, battery technologies, and nuclear energy,” Gatchalian added.
The KSP has helped nearly 800 research programs since it was developed in 2004 and advanced other countries in terms of energy cooperation.
