Philippines seeks to house ocean technologies research center

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine government is making a pitch to house a global research and development center for existing and emerging ocean technologies, which are seen providing an alternative source of energy in small islands and archipelagic countries.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said the ocean technical center that he proposed to United Nations Industrial Development Organization would likely be funded by first world countries.

“There has to be more impetus and we’re asking the multilaterals to say to the first world countries to come in and help because none of us has the money for this. In essence, I made a pitch to Unido to put up an ocean technology R&D center, and I volunteered to have it done in the Philippines,” Almendras said.

The energy chief noted that the First World countries, which have the funds and capacity, are not putting enough R&D money in ocean technology.

“Why? Because they don’t have oceans. It’s the poor countries, the small islands, archipelagic countries (that can benefit from ocean energy). So in the Vienna Energy Forum, I made a push for that. Clearly, I was supported by the small countries. We all agreed that there should be more development given to ocean technology,” Almendras said.

In the Philippines, the first ocean energy facility is targeted to start commercial operations by 2018, and the government hopes it will help spur the interest of investors in exploring and developing the country’s untapped ocean energy resource potential.

Data from the National Renewable Energy Plan book showed that the first project to come online will be the 10-megawatt Cabangan ocean energy thermal conversion (Otec) project in Zambales.