Taguig City - As part of the Department of Energy’s celebration of the National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM), PNOC Renewables Corporation hosted a Roundtable Discussion with the theme “Creating the Future of Energy Security and Sustainability” last 04 December 2019 at PNOC Exploration Corporation’s Pag-Asa Hall. The roundtable discussion covered topics on energy efficiency, updates on renewable energy technologies such as hydropower, geothermal and waste-to-energy, status of climate change and project management strategies for RE developers.

The activity brought together key government agencies, project financing institutions and leading experts in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The roundtable talks featured the presentation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which aims to institutionalize ways for the judicious utilization of energy in the country by Dir. Patrick Aquino of the Energy Utilization and Management Bureau of the Department of Energy while Mr. Alexander Ablaza, President of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance expounded on the measures in order to mobilize private capital for energy efficiency projects through fiscal incentives for energy service companies.  Other speakers include renowned experts in the field of renewable energy such as Mr. Ricardo G. Barcelona, President of Barcino Advisers, who discussed about the possibility of turning waste into gold, Engr. Rafael Macabiog, Vice President for Renewable Development of Aboitiz Power Corporation who shared insights in the development of hydropower projects from an RE developer’s perspective and Engr. Ariel Fronda, Division Chief of Geothermal Energy Management Division of the Department of Energy, who imparted about the latest developments in geothermal energy. Representatives of major banks, Mr. Ronaldo Averion of the Landbank of the Philippines and Mr. Jericho Martinez of the Development Bank of the Philippines discussed the various financing programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency available to local government units and RE developers. Ms. Corazon Guidote, a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors had an eye opening talk on the long range effects of climate change and finally, a presentation from Mr. Arvin Lee, a partner of Wee Swee Teow, LLP of Singapore who shared project management strategies in managing time and cost overruns for RE developers.

Business opportunities and challenges in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects were also tackled during the event. The roundtable discussion aimed to create synergy and strengthen the collaboration between the government and the industry players to enable them to come up with initiatives that will significantly increase the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the country. It was attended by various representatives of the energy sector, local government units and national agencies.