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The Philippines and South Korea have officially launched the 2024/25 Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP), a key bilateral initiative designed to strengthen energy cooperation and build a more resilient and sustainable energy system. Spearheaded by the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) and supported by leading Korean institutions, the program serves as a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and best practices in the energy sector. It follows high-level discussions between the two governments in August 2024 and aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing in critical areas such as renewable energy, smart grid integration, battery storage, and nuclear energy development. The KSP brings together Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), with the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) serving as the official coordinating body for Philippine-related affairs. DOE Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales, representing Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, emphasized the program’s role in shaping evidence-based policies and strengthening institutional capabilities. “Through KSP, we aim to gain invaluable insights that will help us craft policies, enhance institutions, and implement innovative energy solutions tailored to our evolving energy landscape,” he stated. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, also present at the launch, highlighted the program’s significance in advancing sustainability goals. “This initiative fosters mutual learning—Korea can benefit from the Philippines’ expertise in geothermal and pumped-storage hydropower, while we gain insights into Korea’s advancements in smart grids, battery technologies, and nuclear energy,” he said. The 2024/25 KSP will focus on electric vehicle (EV) integration, grid modernization, renewable energy expansion, and nuclear energy development. The Philippines has submitted three key proposals under the program, including initiatives to accelerate EV adoption, integrate floating solar and smart grid technologies, and enhance capacity-building for clean energy development. AEDC Chairman Yoon Sukhun underscored the broader significance of the collaboration, calling it a “testament to the enduring friendship and shared commitment of both nations to sustainable energy development.” Since its inception in 2004, KSP has facilitated over 759 research projects across 1,300 topics, fostering innovation and international cooperation. With the formal launch of the 2024/25 KSP, the Philippines and Korea reaffirm their commitment to leveraging shared knowledge to drive sustainable energy solutions in the years ahead. |