THE Department of Energy (DoE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on Wednesday aimed at fostering collaboration in the advancement of renewable energy (RE) research and development (R&D).

The MoA, signed by Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and DoST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., will require the two agencies to collaborate on research projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency, affordability and scalability of RE technologies in the Philippines.

These include solar, wind, hydro, biomass, ocean, geothermal energy and other emerging technologies.

"This partnership signifies the shared commitment of both DoST and DoE to really harness the potential of science, technology, and innovation to further the development and adoption of RE solutions," said Solidum during the signing.

The DoE said this partnership will utilize the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF), mandated under Section 28 of Republic Act 9513 or the "Renewable Energy Act 2008."

The RETF is exclusively used, among others, to finance R&D, demonstration, and promotion of RE systems both for power and non-power applications by qualified institutions engaged in RE studies or undertaken jointly through public-private sector partnerships, including a fellowship for energy studies.

Both agencies mentioned that the agreement will also cover and facilitate the application of research findings and innovations, promoting the commercialization of RE technologies and the growth of the local green economy.

"By joining forces with the DoST, we aim to leverage our collective strengths and resources to drive innovation and overcome technical, economic, and policy challenges to facilitate the widespread adoption of RE technologies," said Lotilla.

He also said that R&D may aid policymakers with scientific and technical insights in analyzing policy frameworks and market mechanisms to support the deployment of RE.

With the goal of driving RE forward, both agencies said they are inviting stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to join hands and support them in this partnership.