Makati, Philippines – The French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines recently organized the launching of its new committee–Energy and Renewable Energy Committee (E/RE)–last June 10, 2024, at Common Ground Rockwell, Rockwell, Makati.
The roundtable meeting of the E/RE Committee brought together a diverse array of industry leaders, each contributing their expertise and insights towards shaping the future of the energy sector in the Philippines. The meeting was attended by representatives from prominent companies in the energy industry:
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- Air Liquide: Represented by Son Nguyen, Joan Arellano, and Alice Lei, Air Liquide brings its extensive experience in industrial gases, contributing significantly to the discussion on sustainable energy solutions.
- Engie Impact: With “Bong” Valdoz and Leandro Salud at the helm, Engie Impact focuses on sustainability transformation, offering strategic insights into energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction.
- Engie Services: Represented by Mark Eborde, Engie Services is renowned for its integrated solutions in energy services, playing a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and innovation.
- GreenYellow: Paradee Sangkaphet and Chhunheng Lao represented GreenYellow, a key player in solar energy and energy efficiency, advocating for the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
- HDF Energy: Bernard Tuanquin of HDF Energy provided insights into the development of high-capacity hydrogen power plants, underscoring the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
- Reurasia: Maxime Droit represented Reurasia, emphasizing their role in renewable energy projects and the integration of advanced technologies in the energy sector.
- The Blue Circle: Represented by Amaury Brucker, The Blue Circle focuses on developing wind energy projects, highlighting the importance of harnessing wind power in the renewable energy landscape.
Collaboration, Clarity, and Strategy: Visions of the E/RE Committee
The E/RE Committee underscored the importance of collaboration, regulatory clarity, and strategic initiatives to drive growth and innovation within the energy sector in the Philippines. It emphasized the need to foster connections among companies to facilitate project sharing and identify common opportunities. This collaborative approach is essential for leveraging collective strengths and driving sector-wide advancements.
There was also consensus on the need for collective action towards transitioning to renewable energy sources. Attendees highlighted the economic viability of renewables in the Philippines and advocated for nationwide efforts to promote this transition. The economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy make it a critical focus area for sustainable development.
Attendees stressed the importance of navigating regulatory complexities and aligning renewable energy markets with global expertise to drive sectoral growth. Simplifying regulatory procedures and ensuring transparency are essential for attracting investment and facilitating smooth project implementation. These synergies can help streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of the energy sector.
The meeting discussed the necessity of guiding companies entering the Philippine market. This includes navigating licensing requirements, establishing effective communication channels, and forming dedicated groups to address entry challenges collectively. Comprehensive market entry support can significantly ease the process for new entrants and foster a more competitive market environment. These initiatives can help highlight the Philippines’ potential as a lucrative investment destination.
Lastly, the committee plans to organize workshops focused on sharing good practices, local regulations, and international standards. Discussions on navigating the Philippine market and replicating successful projects will be included, considering the diverse topics and the companies’ level of maturity in the market. These workshops aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic energy sector.
The direction of the E/RE Committee will be steered and guided by:
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- Maxime Droit of Reurasia
- Ina Dalosa of Engie Services
- Amaury Brucker of The Blue Circle
The Chamber looks forward to the collective and continuous support, insights, and enthusiasm of its members for the E/RE Committee. Through collaboration and innovation, the committee aims to drive sustainable growth and make significant contributions to the energy sector in the Philippines.
