UK firms out to explore PH energy potential

Representatives of six companies from the United Kingdom are set to arrive in the country this week to explore various opportunities in the Philippine energy sector, the British Embassy in Manila said Monday.

The companies have been identified as Arup, CiDRA Corporate Services, Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon, Lloyd’s Register, Lucy Switchgear and TSORS Ltd.

The representatives will be part of a trade mission organized by the British Embassy through UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

“The Philippines has been steadily growing and making its mark in the international scene, including in energy. This trade mission will be instrumental for UK companies to assess the market in various aspects of energy development and power generation,” said Iain Mansfield, director of UKTI in Manila.

“This is just one of the many activities we have lined up to boost bilateral trade and investment between our two countries. Our trade missions are part of the action plan to double trade in the next five years, as mentioned by our trade minister [Lord Stephen Green of Hurstpierpoint] during his visit to Manila last week,” Mansfield said.

The trade mission is expected to showcase the capabilities of the United Kingdom in these sectors, as it hopes to become the Philippines’ partner of choice in projects that will help address the country’s increasing demand for power.

The six British firms will be participating in PowerTrends, an energy and exhibition event on Wednesday.

A forum on power and renewable energy scheduled on the same day will allow local industry players to explore the technology and services that the UK has to offer.

UKTI has also arranged various business meetings and activities for the delegates to allow them to learn more about the country’s energy requirement and projects over the long term.

According to the British Embassy, the UK is a world leader in the development of energy and carbon management systems.

The country’s drive for innovation has resulted in new solutions and lower costs for technologies, such as wind power, marine resources and clean coal, among many others.

The United Kingdom also claimed to be the world leader in offshore wind and marine energy with as much capacity already installed as the rest of the world combined.