PH, UAE ink MOU on energy transition

FILE: Presidents Bongbong Marcos and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, 26 November 2024. (PCO Photo)

By Kris Crismundo, Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen energy transition cooperation.

The MOU was one of the key agreements reached at the meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Marcos’ working visit to the Gulf state last Nov.26.

In a statement over the weekend, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the MOU includes several areas of cooperation particularly in renewable energy; liquefied natural gas as a transition fuel; power generation, transmission, and distribution system; nuclear energy; energy efficiency and conservation; and alternative fuels and emerging technologies.

“By combining the UAE’s leadership in innovative energy solutions with the Philippines’ ambitious drive for energy security and sustainability, this initiative has the potential to transform not only industries but also the lives of millions of Filipinos,” Lotilla said.

He added that the partnership has the potential to support the development of the country’s energy landscape by attracting investments, creating jobs, and promoting the transfer of cutting-edge technology to strengthen local expertise.

The agreement was formalized following discussions between Lotilla and UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi.

“Our dialogue emphasized fostering meaningful business collaborations and positioning the Philippines as a prime destination for Emirati investments in critical energy sectors, including developing robust energy infrastructure and advancing renewable energy projects,” Lotilla said.

“We are committed to advancing our energy goals, and the UAE’s leadership in innovative energy solutions presents a unique opportunity for the Philippines to accelerate its transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

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An Implementation Agreement with a UAE state-owned company is expected to be signed by January 2025, he said.

In October of this year, Lotilla signed an MOU with Saudi Arabia, strengthening the country’s bilateral ties in the energy sector with the Middle Eastern countries.