ILOILO City, Philippines – During the 16th Media Seminar held from July 7 to 10, 2024, an important development in the realm of clean energy and international cooperation was highlighted.
Colette Honorable, Exelon's EVP Public Policy and Chief External Affairs Officer, discussed the newly effective U.S.-Philippines Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, commonly known as the "123 Agreement."
The Agreement, which entered into force on July 2, 2024, aims to bolster mutual efforts in achieving clean energy and enhancing energy security.
This milestone is expected to solidify long-term diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, paving the way for significant contributions to global climate change goals and energy security.
Honorable reiterated that this move is a continuation of nearly 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
Nuclear energy, as emphasized by Honorable, is a crucial component in tackling global climate challenges.
By leveraging this Agreement, both the United States and the Philippines can explore new collaborative opportunities in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives.
Civil nuclear cooperation agreements, commonly known as 123 Agreements, provide a legal framework for the export of nuclear material, equipment, and components from the United States to another country.
This particular agreement with the Philippines allows for the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components, and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production, all based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.
The 123 Agreement aims to address the critical global challenge of energy security through collaborative efforts. Both countries believe that nuclear energy can play a vital role in achieving global climate change and energy security targets.
The agreement builds on nearly 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines, establishing a framework for continued U.S. civil nuclear trade with the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the 16th Media Seminar, themed "Powering Progress: The Path Toward the Philippines' Clean Energy Transition," took place in Iloilo City from July 7 to 10, 2024.
The seminar brought together journalists from across the Philippines to discuss the nation's clean energy transition.
The seminar began on July 8 with participants and speakers arriving in Iloilo City.
Kanishka Gangopadhyay, the U.S. embassy's Press Attaché, kicked off the event with an introduction and overview, followed by opening remarks from U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara provided a detailed situationer on the Philippine energy landscape, setting the stage for the day's discussions.
Isabella Suarez, Lead Analyst for Southeast Asia at Transition Zero, then led a discussion on renewables and a just transition, highlighting the importance of sustainable and equitable energy solutions.
The first day of the seminar concluded with a visit to More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) in Iloilo City.
During this visit, it was revealed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Iloilo City Government, and MORE Power have collaborated to create a Local Energy Plan.
This plan aims to ensure sufficient power supply for incoming investors and the growing needs of the city.
Reportedly, the USAID has allocated $50,000 through its Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) Initiative to support the technical and financial needs of Iloilo City, making it a pilot city for this initiative.
Additionally, USAID has coordinated with the RT International Research Institute to provide technical information and support to MORE Power.
The two-day media seminar concluded on July 9, 2024, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the Philippines' clean energy transition and the pivotal role that international cooperation, such as the 123 Agreement, will play in this journey.
The event underscored the commitment of both the U.S. and the Philippines to advancing clean energy and securing a sustainable future.
