Philippines and New Zealand to interact more closely on geothermal
New Zealand and the Philippines agree on more collaboration on geothermal development within both countries and the education for geothermal engineers at recent trade meetings in the Philippines.
In a news piece from the Philippines today, it is reported that the Philippines and New Zealand have agreed to push for greater interaction in the development of both country’s geothermal resources.
As said by the Philppines’ Energy Secretary this is an interaction that could go both ways. For New Zealand companies to target opportunities in the Philippines, but also for Philippine companies exploring opportunities in New Zealand.
The statements came at a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Geothermal Energy Workshop in the Philippines this week.
The Philippine government raises its hope that the cooperation will help attract NZ investment into the geothermal sector of the country.
Current discussions between the two governments are aimed at “building more competence for personnel at the Philippines Department of Energy.” Among others, DOE hopes to be able to secure scholarships for DOE technical personnel” and develop more collaboration for opportunities “not just for investment but also for transfer of technology”.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said New Zealand has world-class expertise in geothermal energy and has long-standing ties with the Philippine geothermal industry. “In a world that seeks renewable-energy sources to meet future demand, this is a natural sector for cooperation between our countries,” he added.
As well as development opportunities in the Philippines and in New Zealand, McCully said, both countries are well placed to develop opportunities around the world, including in Indonesia and South America.
Many of Philippines geothermal engineers have been trained at Auckland University’s Geothermal Institute through grants provided by the New Zealand Aid Program.
Source: Business Mirror