Germany explores business opportunities in local energy

THE German-philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) provided a virtual platform for exchange in close cooperation with eclareon, the Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Green Building Initiative, as German and Philippine experts, along with government representatives, shared project opportunities and best practices.

“This conference [showed] the enormous potential for business cooperation between German and Philippine firms in the field of renewable energy,” stated Stefan Schmitz, GPCCI’S president. “More than 80 business-to-business meetings were arranged during [the] business mission.”

Companies based from Germany have recognized the potential of the Philippines in the field of renewable energy, many of which have been active in the local sector for a long time. According to GPCCI, there are more of them providing unique solutions for off-grid areas utilizing photovoltaic-hybrid, as well as energy-storage systems, and would like to forge ties with Philippine counterparts.

“Solar and other renewable energy options are attractive and encouraged, given the Department of Energy’s renewable energy policies,” said DOE’S Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mylene Capongcol. “Fossil fuel in off-grid areas is not sustainable, [in terms of operations, economics, and the environment. We need a paradigm shift toward self-sufficiency and cleaner surroundings].”

The German Energy Delegation is a virtual business mission of eight German companies: 21st Century Clean Energy, BAE Batterien, DHYBRID Power Systems, Ferntech, iqron, KRAFTWERK Renewable Power Solutions, TESVOLT, and Wollny Consulting.

In the days following the conference, participating German companies will further explore partnership potentials with Philippine peers. The project is under the German Energy Solutions Initiative—an export program of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy supporting German small and medium enterprises in their global outreach.