Philippine delegation gains offshore wind and green hydrogen expertise

Group of people standing in front of the camera
The delegation from the Philippines at the Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit in Melbourne, Australia

Australia recently supported a high-level delegation from the Philippines to visit Australia in late August to strengthen knowledge and build networks in offshore wind and green hydrogen.

Dr Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Undersecretary of the Philippines Department of Energy (DoE), was accompanied by two officials from her department and an official from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Low-emissions energy technologies, such as offshore wind and green hydrogen, offer the Philippines a sustainable and cost-effective way to facilitate transition away from fossil fuels, provide greater access to electricity and bolster energy security.

Supported by Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) initiative, the study tour, held over 28 August to 1 September, coincided with the Asia Pacific Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit. Co-hosted by the Global Wind Energy Council and Victorian Government, the Summit brought together global experts from government and industry to reflect on their experience and unlocking the potential for offshore wind across the region.

Dr Guevara participated in two government panels during the Summit, expressing her enthusiasm for the energy exchange in Melbourne and calling for further Australian assistance through knowledge exchange and research to support the Philippines’ offshore wind and hydrogen industries.

"The visit to Melbourne deepened our understanding of innovative offshore wind and green hydrogen energy solutions, and strengthened connections with Australian experts in government and industry as we collaborate together on a greener future. We were happy to hear from offshore wind developers their positive feedback on the Philippine government's proactive policies and facilitative action."

Australian Ambassador HK Yu PSM emphasised “Australia has an ambitious plan to increase its renewable energy generation, including in offshore wind and green hydrogen. There are exciting prospects for offshore wind in the Philippines, and it was useful to be able to share our respective experiences and knowledge on this and other renewable energy technologies.”

During the visit to Australia, Philippine officials joined other international delegates in a meeting with Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Hon Chris Bowen MP, who discussed Australia’s investment roadmap in offshore wind and green hydrogen.

While in Melbourne, the delegation met with a range of key energy stakeholders, including the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australian Energy Market Operator, Clean Energy Regulator, Clean Energy Council, Global Wind Energy Council, and Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

Delegates also visited hydrogen research facilities at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's Clayton campus and Toyota’s hydrogen refuelling station.

With an extensive archipelagic coastline, the Philippines has enormous potential to produce offshore wind energy. It aims to generate 50% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2040, with offshore wind and green hydrogen expected to play pivotal roles in the power mix.

These recent visits to Australia are great examples of how the Philippines and Australia, as new Strategic Partners, are expanding cooperation. They also highlight how we are working together to unlock green trade and investment, in the pursuit of a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

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