Philippines Boosts Clean Energy Ties in Middle East

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla led the Philippine Energy Mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, securing vital agreements and partnerships to advance the country’s clean energy transition.

Highlighting the government’s focus on renewable energy, the mission sought investments and collaborations under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership.

A key milestone of the mission was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud on October 14, 2024.

The agreement lays the groundwork for potential Saudi investments in the Philippine energy sector, reinforcing the Philippines’ drive to enhance energy security and sustainability.

“Our goal is to advance the clean energy transition by exploring partnerships and securing investments from global energy leaders,” Lotilla said.

The delegation, which included executives from Aboitiz Power, ACEN, San Miguel Corporation Power Holdings, and other major Philippine energy companies, continued to Abu Dhabi to explore further opportunities.

During one-on-one meetings with Masdar, AMEA Power, and other industry leaders, the focus was on renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and battery storage, as well as green hydrogen.

Lotilla also met with the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, to finalize a memorandum of cooperation on energy transition between the two countries.

Additionally, meetings with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) provided valuable insights into nuclear energy, as the Philippines is prioritizing legislation to regulate and explore small modular reactors for off-grid power needs.

Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy, expressed interest in developing projects in the Philippines, while UAE investment firm Lunate explored potential collaborations in the country’s energy sector.

“The Philippines offers vast opportunities in renewable energy, and we are keen to attract investments that will ensure energy security and sustainability,” Lotilla emphasized.