PH, US eye expanded cooperation on energy security

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The Philippines and the United States are looking to expand their cooperation on energy security and diversify energy sources following a meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 15.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin met with her US counterpart, Chris Wright, to discuss potential cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, geothermal and nuclear energy.

“Our priority is to ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for Filipino families and businesses," Garin said in a statement.

Strengthening our partnership with the United States will help us diversify our energy sources, develop indigenous resources, and build the technical capabilities needed to support our long-term energy security,” she added.

The two countries are also exploring potential cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, according to the DOE.

On nuclear energy, the officials discussed cooperation under the Philippines-US Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, which took effect in 2024.

“Both sides discussed initiatives supporting the Philippines' preparations for nuclear power development, including the US Department of State's Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, which supports technical and institutional capacity-building for safe and responsible nuclear energy development,” the DOE said.

The officials also highlighted a US Trade and Development Agency-funded reverse trade mission aimed at connecting Philippine leaders and industry stakeholders with American nuclear technology suppliers and experts in financing, regulatory affairs and workforce training.

The meeting also covered opportunities to develop indigenous energy resources, particularly geothermal energy and natural hydrogen. The officials examined Koloma's local exploration efforts and how these could contribute to the Philippines' long-term energy mix, the DOE said.

The agency said it would continue pursuing international partnerships to strengthen the country's energy supply.

The government is also promoting the Philippines as a potential oil storage hub for Asia, with the DOE proposing to allow foreign countries to establish storage facilities in the country.--MCG, GMA News

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