PH Renewable Energy Targets Highlighted at 13th Irena Assembly in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Left photo: CDA Marford Angeles of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi delivering the Philippine statement at the 13th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on 14 January 2023 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Right photo: Participants from more than 150 countries pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of the IRENA 13th Assembly Session. (Abu Dhabi PE photo)
ABU DHABI 14 January 2023 — Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Marford M. Angeles, Charge d'Affaires at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, represented the Philippines at the 13th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, and presented the Philippines' Renewable Energy (RE) roadmap at this annual discussion of policy and decision makers on national commitments towards the transition to RE. This was made possible upon the Embassy's coordination with the Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol who is responsible for the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB). Mr. Michael Ray Castillo accompanied CDA Angeles at IRENA13.
CDA Angeles highlighted at the meeting that the Philippines Energy Transition Goal is aimed at increasing the RE share in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 from the current level of 22%. He stated that central to the Philippines' strategy to achieve these targets are indigenous RE resources and private sector investments, which are further encouraged with the liberalization of foreign ownership for RE investments up to 100% (except for hydro and conditional for geothermal projects). New and emerging RE technologies and resources such as Offshore Wind, Floating Solar and Marine RE development opens greater opportunities for foreign investment, according to CDA Angeles.
CDA Angeles emphasized the importance of IRENA as the global energy transitions platform and expressed thanks to the UAE for its unique and crucial role as IRENA's host since its establishment in 2009, and as host of COP28 in Dubai later this year, which will undertake the Global Stocktake.
At this 13th IRENA Assembly, the first time in three years that the members met face-to-face, the participants echoed IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera's advice that urgent action on climate and development goals cannot be delayed. In welcoming participants to the Assembly Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology reaffirmed the UAE's firm support in advancing IRENA's mission, citing the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing Program (ETAF) where UAE committed an initial $400 million to help emerging economies fund RE projects.
According to CDA Angeles, the afore-cited Philippine Government strategies and policy directions reflect its seriousness in attaining renewable energy targets which can be facilitated by IRENA's programs and initiatives. END
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