DOE, JICA partner on hydropower inventory project

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have partnered on a three-year technical cooperation project to advance the Philippines' clean energy goals.

On June 9, outgoing DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla and JICA chief representative Baba Takashi signed an agreement for the Project on Resource Inventory of Hydropower Potential Sites.

The initiative aims to identify and assess large-scale hydropower sites across the country with capacities exceeding 100 megawatts (MW), supporting sustainable power generation and encouraging private sector participation.

Scheduled to begin in September 2025, the project will develop a national inventory of hydropower sites through data collection and field surveys at four priority locations for pre-feasibility studies.

DOE Secretary Lotilla highlighted that Japan's expertise will help unlock untapped hydropower resources, contributing to long-term investments, rural development, and enhanced energy security.

JICA will deploy Japanese experts with specialized experience in hydropower development who will work closely with DOE officials and staff, offer technical assistance, and lead capacity-development activities.

The project is expected to be completed by 2028, providing a valuable reference for future energy investments and policy decisions.