US urges Philippines to embrace renewable energy storage

After a severe power outage hit Panay Island and other parts of Western Visayas earlier this month, the United States is urging the Philippines to look into storing electricity through renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.

This topic was discussed by US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose Fernandez with officials from the Department of Energy.

During a media roundtable discussion, Fernandez highlighted the Philippines' potential for renewable energy. "The Philippines is tailor-made for renewable energy with abundant sunshine and ample wind. By turning our vulnerability into a competitive advantage, we can attract the energies of the future," he said.

Fernandez also emphasized that increasing the supply of renewable energy will address power outages. During storms or low-wind days, he added, battery storage is part of the solution.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has laid out plans to expand the Philippine's energy mix, specifically focusing on renewable energy and the potential use of nuclear power.

Investments

Renewable energy can also potentially play a significant role in attracting more investments from the US and other countries, particularly in the semiconductor industry, Fernandez added.

"Expanding our renewable energy supplies will generate more interest from companies to invest in the Philippines, creating a synergy between clean energy and the industry of the future," he said.

Although the semiconductor industry in the Philippines is growing, neighboring countries like Taiwan have still more semiconductor companies. However, Filipino workers are highly sought after and comprise the majority of employees in semiconductor factories in Taiwan, which the US sees as an advantage for the Philippines.

To further support the semiconductor industry in the Philippines, the US will assist in enhancing assembly, testing, and packaging under the Chips Act, Fernandez said.

He also said that the Philippines will soon receive recommendations from the intergovernmental body Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris on strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem in the country. The implementation of these recommendations should begin promptly.

The Philippines and the United States have previously agreed on a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Deal, signed during Marcos' visit to the US last year, where he met with President Joe Biden.

Discussions on the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Deal between the two countries are also progressing. — BM, GMA Integrated News