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Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As the world faces unprecedented climate challenges, the urgency to transition to renewable energy (RE) has never been more pronounced. The Philippines, a nation acutely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, stands at a critical juncture. With lofty aspirations but slow progress, the 2024 Renewable Energy Congress, set for December 12–13 at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City, aims to recalibrate the nation's approach to renewable energy deployment.
The Context of Renewable Energy in the Philippines
The Philippines is no stranger to climate mitigation efforts. Since the adoption of the Renewable Energy Act in 2008, the country has set ambitious targets, such as achieving a 35% RE share in the power generation mix by 2030. Yet, despite incremental improvements—such as a 10% increase in RE capacity since 2020—the nation’s energy mix remains heavily reliant on coal, which accounts for 43.9% of installed capacity as of December 2023.
Achieving the 2030 targets requires an inclusive, multifaceted approach that transcends traditional stakeholders like utility-scale RE developers. It must address systemic barriers, including policy inefficiencies, high costs of implementation, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups such as women, farmers, and indigenous communities.
RE Congress 2024: Themes and Objectives
This year’s RE Congress is framed around a transformative agenda, aptly titled "REcalibrate: Make Renewable Energy Right." The event will bring together over 300 stakeholders, including policymakers, developers, financiers, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations.
Through knowledge sharing, workshops, and policy dialogues, the Congress seeks to:Develop a Just Energy Transition Roadmap – Focused on ensuring inclusivity and climate resilience while meeting RE targets.
Examine Sectoral Applications – Analyze RE deployment in transportation and agriculture for broader energy transformation.
Facilitate Knowledge Exchange – Share best practices in RE project financing, technology deployment, and energy efficiency.
Enhance Stakeholder Collaboration – Forge partnerships to increase participation by marginalized groups.
Push for Policy Advancements – Revisit and recalibrate local and regional policies for inclusive energy access.
Key Features of the Congress
The two-day event will feature a mix of plenary panels, deep-dive workshops, and networking sessions. Highlights include:Plenary Discussions: Experts will dissect frameworks for a just energy transition, exploring policy adjustments necessary to meet sustainability goals.
GreenPitch Session: Startups and innovators will present rapid-fire pitches to potential investors, fostering collaborations that could accelerate RE adoption.
Workshops: Topics will range from solar power installations to gender-responsive energy solutions, addressing both technical and societal dimensions of RE development.
Symbolic Roadmap Adoption: A collective commitment by participants to implement a multi-stakeholder roadmap will cap the Congress, aligning efforts toward a sustainable future.
Challenges and Opportunities
While renewable energy is often seen as a panacea for climate issues, it is not without challenges. Large-scale RE projects, for instance, can pose ecological risks and disrupt local communities. Addressing these requires adopting socially and environmentally responsible practices. Moreover, high electricity costs and unreliable supply continue to burden households and businesses, underscoring the need for equitable and affordable energy access.
The Congress will emphasize the importance of inclusive policymaking, integrating voices from women, workers, and indigenous groups. Notably, the event will explore innovative financing mechanisms to make RE projects accessible to small-scale players and remote communities.
A Call to Action
The RE Congress 2024 represents more than a gathering of stakeholders; it is a rallying cry for ambition and urgency in the face of a warming planet. As the COP28 Presidency has emphasized, the energy transition must be fast-tracked while ensuring inclusivity and equity. The Philippines, with its immense RE potential, has the opportunity to lead by example, proving that sustainable development can be achieved without leaving anyone behind.
By recalibrating policies, fostering partnerships, and championing just energy solutions, the RE Congress 2024 could mark a turning point in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon future. The time to act is now—because making renewable energy right is not just a goal; it is a necessity.
A Two-Day Agenda for Renewable Energy Transformation
The RE Congress 2024, held from December 12–13, 2024, at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City, promises a dynamic and action-packed program designed to bridge the gap between policy and practice in the renewable energy sector. Featuring a diverse range of activities, the Congress focuses on creating actionable strategies for a just energy transition, fostering collaboration, and showcasing innovative solutions.
Day 1: Setting the Foundation for Change
Opening Highlights
The first day will begin with keynote speeches, including one from Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on Women and a member of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission. Her address will set the stage for discussions on the intersection of gender equity and sustainable energy transformation.
Plenary Discussions
Key panels will explore themes such as recalibrating renewable energy targets and policies to make them inclusive and sustainable. Notable speakers include Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara and ERC Chair Monalisa Dimalanta, alongside representatives from climate-focused organizations and the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance.
Workshops and Knowledge Sharing
Participants will engage in concurrent workshops on topics like solar panel installation, energy efficiency integration, and financing renewable energy projects. These sessions aim to equip attendees with practical skills and insights that can drive localized energy solutions.
Just Energy Transition Roadmap Development
Breakout groups divided by stakeholder categories—women, youth, farmers, LGUs, and industry players—will collaborate on refining a roadmap toward the 2030 renewable energy goals. This interactive session ensures diverse perspectives are incorporated into the strategic plan.
Day 2: Turning Vision Into Action
Plenary and Keynotes
Day two will feature National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and other government leaders discussing policy frameworks to ensure the energy transition remains inclusive and equitable.
GreenPitch Session
An innovative highlight is the "GreenPitch" session, where six startups or project groups will present their renewable energy initiatives in rapid five-minute pitches. This platform aims to connect innovators with investors and implementation partners, fostering partnerships that can accelerate RE adoption.
Symbolic Adoption of the Just Energy Transition Roadmap
A ceremonial signing of the multi-stakeholder roadmap will mark the culmination of the Congress. This symbolic act not only formalizes the participants' commitment but also underscores the collective resolve to achieve renewable energy targets without leaving anyone behind.
Ongoing Activities: Exhibits and Consultations
Throughout the two days, attendees can visit exhibition booths showcasing sustainable energy technologies and solutions. Additionally, consultation desks staffed by experts in finance, technology, and policy will provide one-on-one advisory sessions to participants, ensuring tailored guidance for diverse stakeholders.
Why the RE Congress 2024 Matters
The Congress is more than an event—it is a pivotal moment for the Philippines to reflect on its progress, recalibrate its strategies, and galvanize action toward a sustainable energy future. By fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and championing inclusivity, the RE Congress 2024 serves as a blueprint for achieving energy sufficiency, climate resilience, and social equity in a rapidly changing world.
With its comprehensive agenda, diverse stakeholders, and actionable outcomes, the RE Congress 2024 is poised to be a transformative milestone in the Philippines' journey toward a greener, more inclusive future.
Examine Sectoral Applications – Analyze RE deployment in transportation and agriculture for broader energy transformation.
Facilitate Knowledge Exchange – Share best practices in RE project financing, technology deployment, and energy efficiency.
Enhance Stakeholder Collaboration – Forge partnerships to increase participation by marginalized groups.
Push for Policy Advancements – Revisit and recalibrate local and regional policies for inclusive energy access.
Key Features of the Congress
The two-day event will feature a mix of plenary panels, deep-dive workshops, and networking sessions. Highlights include:Plenary Discussions: Experts will dissect frameworks for a just energy transition, exploring policy adjustments necessary to meet sustainability goals.
GreenPitch Session: Startups and innovators will present rapid-fire pitches to potential investors, fostering collaborations that could accelerate RE adoption.
Workshops: Topics will range from solar power installations to gender-responsive energy solutions, addressing both technical and societal dimensions of RE development.
Symbolic Roadmap Adoption: A collective commitment by participants to implement a multi-stakeholder roadmap will cap the Congress, aligning efforts toward a sustainable future.
Challenges and Opportunities
While renewable energy is often seen as a panacea for climate issues, it is not without challenges. Large-scale RE projects, for instance, can pose ecological risks and disrupt local communities. Addressing these requires adopting socially and environmentally responsible practices. Moreover, high electricity costs and unreliable supply continue to burden households and businesses, underscoring the need for equitable and affordable energy access.
The Congress will emphasize the importance of inclusive policymaking, integrating voices from women, workers, and indigenous groups. Notably, the event will explore innovative financing mechanisms to make RE projects accessible to small-scale players and remote communities.
A Call to Action
The RE Congress 2024 represents more than a gathering of stakeholders; it is a rallying cry for ambition and urgency in the face of a warming planet. As the COP28 Presidency has emphasized, the energy transition must be fast-tracked while ensuring inclusivity and equity. The Philippines, with its immense RE potential, has the opportunity to lead by example, proving that sustainable development can be achieved without leaving anyone behind.
By recalibrating policies, fostering partnerships, and championing just energy solutions, the RE Congress 2024 could mark a turning point in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon future. The time to act is now—because making renewable energy right is not just a goal; it is a necessity.
A Two-Day Agenda for Renewable Energy Transformation
The RE Congress 2024, held from December 12–13, 2024, at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City, promises a dynamic and action-packed program designed to bridge the gap between policy and practice in the renewable energy sector. Featuring a diverse range of activities, the Congress focuses on creating actionable strategies for a just energy transition, fostering collaboration, and showcasing innovative solutions.
Day 1: Setting the Foundation for Change
Opening Highlights
The first day will begin with keynote speeches, including one from Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on Women and a member of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission. Her address will set the stage for discussions on the intersection of gender equity and sustainable energy transformation.
Plenary Discussions
Key panels will explore themes such as recalibrating renewable energy targets and policies to make them inclusive and sustainable. Notable speakers include Department of Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara and ERC Chair Monalisa Dimalanta, alongside representatives from climate-focused organizations and the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance.
Workshops and Knowledge Sharing
Participants will engage in concurrent workshops on topics like solar panel installation, energy efficiency integration, and financing renewable energy projects. These sessions aim to equip attendees with practical skills and insights that can drive localized energy solutions.
Just Energy Transition Roadmap Development
Breakout groups divided by stakeholder categories—women, youth, farmers, LGUs, and industry players—will collaborate on refining a roadmap toward the 2030 renewable energy goals. This interactive session ensures diverse perspectives are incorporated into the strategic plan.
Day 2: Turning Vision Into Action
Plenary and Keynotes
Day two will feature National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and other government leaders discussing policy frameworks to ensure the energy transition remains inclusive and equitable.
GreenPitch Session
An innovative highlight is the "GreenPitch" session, where six startups or project groups will present their renewable energy initiatives in rapid five-minute pitches. This platform aims to connect innovators with investors and implementation partners, fostering partnerships that can accelerate RE adoption.
Symbolic Adoption of the Just Energy Transition Roadmap
A ceremonial signing of the multi-stakeholder roadmap will mark the culmination of the Congress. This symbolic act not only formalizes the participants' commitment but also underscores the collective resolve to achieve renewable energy targets without leaving anyone behind.
Ongoing Activities: Exhibits and Consultations
Throughout the two days, attendees can visit exhibition booths showcasing sustainable energy technologies and solutions. Additionally, consultation desks staffed by experts in finance, technology, and policy will provide one-on-one advisory sessions to participants, ensuring tailored guidance for diverse stakeholders.
Why the RE Congress 2024 Matters
The Congress is more than an event—it is a pivotal moment for the Philippines to reflect on its progress, recalibrate its strategies, and galvanize action toward a sustainable energy future. By fostering multi-sectoral collaboration and championing inclusivity, the RE Congress 2024 serves as a blueprint for achieving energy sufficiency, climate resilience, and social equity in a rapidly changing world.
With its comprehensive agenda, diverse stakeholders, and actionable outcomes, the RE Congress 2024 is poised to be a transformative milestone in the Philippines' journey toward a greener, more inclusive future.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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