PH, New Zealand expand deal
The Philippines and New Zealand signed an amendment to extend geothermal energy cooperation.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan signed the amendment Tuesday in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The signing of the amendment extended the arrangement signed on Oct. 2012 until October 2020.
“The amendment aims to further strengthen and enhance the cooperation between the two countries on geothermal energy cooperation through government- level collaboration and the facilitation of private sector activities,” the Energy Department said in a statement.
The amendment also provides for the continuous exchange of experiences and technical assistance in the field of geothermal energy exploration, development and utilization through capacity building and share of information, knowledge and current trends on geothermal energy.
It creates a platform for New Zealand’s geothermal industry to engage with the Philippines in accelerating and promoting geothermal development through the exchange of experiences, information, and technical assistance. Alena Mae S. Flores