WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippines and the United States are working to broaden bilateral cooperation on energy security and diversify fuel options following high-level discussions held here.
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin met with her U.S. counterpart, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, on October 15 to map out potential partnerships spanning liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, geothermal power, and nuclear energy.
“Our priority is to ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for Filipino families and businesses,” Garin said in a statement.
“Strengthening our partnership with the United States will help us diversify our energy sources, develop indigenous resources, and build the technical capabilities needed to support our long-term energy security,” she added.
According to the DOE, both nations are also reviewing prospects for collaboration involving strategic petroleum reserves. Nuclear energy discussions specifically centered around the Philippines-US Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, which entered into force in 2024.
The dialogue touched on framework initiatives to jumpstart the Philippines’ nuclear power capabilities, such as the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, designed to reinforce institutional and technical safety standards.
Officials likewise pointed to a U.S. Trade and Development Agency-backed reverse trade mission meant to bridge Filipino industry stakeholders with American nuclear experts, financing specialists, and technology vendors.
Talks further extended to local resource exploration, highlighting geothermal energy and natural hydrogen, including Koloma’s regional exploration initiatives and their potential integration into the country’s energy matrix.
Beyond international frameworks, the DOE noted it is actively pitching the Philippines as an ideal regional oil storage hub in Asia, with proposed policies that would welcome foreign nations to build and operate storage infrastructure locally.