German energy firms eye business opportunities in Philippines

German firms engaged in energy efficiency and solar power are exploring business opportunities in the Philippines, according to the German-Philippine Chamber or Commerce and Industry (GPCCI).

In a statement, the GPCCI said it held the Energy Efficiency and Solar for Buildings conference Monday, in cooperation with the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) and Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP).

Over 100 participants composed of German and Philippine industry experts, as well as government stakeholders, shared project opportunities and best practices.

'These visiting German companies have the advanced technical know-how in the field of energy efficiency, and we are happy to provide the stage for them to connect with both key public and private stakeholders in the Philippines,'GPCCI executive director Christopher Zimmer said.

According to the GPCCI, the business mission was participated by five German companies.

Among these are SolarNext AG, MIG mbH, Hormann KG, Eeaser GmbH, and Ecoligo GmbH.

'Several German companies are already involved in the industry of energy efficiency in the Philippines and this delegation signals an increased potential and investor interest. We are delighted to see more attention again from German companies,'GPCCI president Stefan Schmitz said.

'Aside from its cost-saving benefits, energy efficiency is one of the most labor-intensive activities in the energy sector,' PE2 president Alexander Ablaza said.

He emphasized that there is a huge potential for investment opportunities in the Philippines and can generate more green jobs.

For his part, Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the Department of Energy director Patrick Aquino said: 'Our vision is to have renewable energy plus energy efficiency to attain energy sustainability targets.'

'We are currently developing policies that will effectively implement the intended objectives of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act.'

The German delegation will further explore partnership potentials with Philippine counterparts through B2B-meetings, project site visits, and other business networking activities in the following days.

The conference is part of the business delegation in the Philippines for German companies in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy industry from March 20 to 24.

The project is organized in cooperation with Eclareon and is part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

In November, the GPCCI welcomed the decision of the DOE to allow more foreign players to participate in the country's renewable energy (RE) sector, citing it as an area of interest for German firms.