U.S. and Philippines Hold 2nd Annual Energy Policy Dialogue

On December 6, the Philippines and the United States held the second annual Energy Policy Dialogue (EPD) in Manila, where the two sides underscored their commitment to deepen cooperation on energy security, energy access, and the clean energy transition.

The Philippines’ Department of Energy’s Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella hosted the EPD. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy Kimberly Harrington, from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ann Ganzer, from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, and Ambassador MaryKay Carlson led the U.S. delegation. They were joined by policy experts from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Representatives from the delegations emphasized the importance of providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, and noted the pivotal role of the private sector in achieving our shared goal of sustainable economic development.

In addition to cooperation on renewable energy, grid planning and modernization, and critical minerals, the EPD detailed next steps on deployment of nuclear energy in the Philippines following the entry into force of the bilateral Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (or “123 Agreement”) in July 2024.

The Philippines and the United States discussed methods to meet energy security and diversification goals, while advancing national decarbonization commitments, in light of significant energy demand growth. They agreed that cooperation on a wide array of energy issues will continue to strengthen the U.S.-Philippines long term bilateral economic and diplomatic relationship.

The delegations agreed to continue collaboration on joint projects to advance our shared energy security and energy transition goals.