2022 RE CONGRESS & EXHIBIT

Making the REAL Deal Happen:

Renewable Energy for All

12 October 2022, 9am-4.30pm

Institute of Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88535234476?pwd=ZnZrR0F1VTNTci8zb3NEalJrTEg1dz09

The Renewable Energy (RE) Congress and Exhibit – now on its fifth year – gathers together members of civil society, electric cooperatives, RE enterprises, academe, workers, and youth as well as representatives of national and local government units, and development institutions. Two years since the onset of pandemic in 2020, stakeholders now have another opportunity for in-person and online interface with renewable energy prime-movers.

This annual multi-stakeholder congress undertaken jointly by the Center for Empowerment, iNnovation and Training on Renewable Energy (CentRE) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Philippines, brings to the fore the policies, mechanisms, strategies, and good practices to realize renewable energy for all. It is also envisaged to tackle the new Administration’s strategies in making sufficient, reliable, safe, affordable, and sustainable energy a reality, and in ensuring just energy transition.

The RE Congress is held during a critical juncture of rebooting the economy from the impacts of COVID-19, climate-induced disasters, energy trilemma, impending energy supply shortage and loss of workers’ incomes. It takes place amid unprecedented unemployment, fuel price increases, high inflation rate, and unfolding disruptions in the food and agricultural supply chain.

The event is therefore an opportune channel to discuss the R.E.AL deal or the Renewable Energy for All agenda, and delve on ways to make energy, REAL – how renewable energy can be part of solutions to the country’s plight, and ways to enable broader segments, if not all, of the population utilize clean and sustainable energy.

The Deep Dive sessions during the RE Congress provide spaces for learning and collaboration on productive uses of renewable energy for the agri-fishery and transport sectors – creating potential additional employment and income for local workers and residents. The sessions also allow workers to share the challenges and potential opportunities for them as the country transitions to renewable energy. Likewise, electric cooperatives – especially in islands, geographically isolated, and in typhoon belt areas – can also engage with representatives from LGUs and academe on deploying renewable energy to address unreliable electricity supply and increasing power generation costs from fossil fuel like coal, oil and natural gas.

The 2022 RE Congress also aims to advocate and facilitate collaboration to: Accelerate RE deployment through broader policy, technical, and financial support and to foster partnerships among stakeholders in the planning, development, and utilization of RE; Multiply the number of local governments and electric cooperatives promoting and adopting RE technologies; Integrate in national energy policies and programs needed workers-or labor- and gender-responsive energy policies; and Serve as a venue for participation for workers and women in the planning and implementation of renewable energy and just transition programs.

Limited slots for in-person attendees.

Institute of Civil Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

ACTIVITIES

MORNING (9am-12.10pm) -

Opening

Organizers present the aims and officially open the day-long event of dialogues, advocacy, exhibit, and networking

RE CALIBRATE

Session 1: Productive uses of renewable energy in the agri-fishery sector

"Framework for Renewable Energy Program in the Agri-Fishery Sector"

Session 2: Productive uses of renewable energy in the transport sector

"REpowering the transport sector"

Block RE-Calibrate (review/recalibration of just energy transition programs)– 1hr. 45mins.

Session 3: Workers in RE transition – opportunities and challenges in the period of energy transition

Session 4: on EPIRA’s promise of reliable and affordable electricity

RE HUB & RE EXHIBIT: NETWORKING LUNCH (12.15pm – 1.10pm)

The 1 hour break provides an opportunity for further interaction among RE Congress participants and guests, and or showcase and learn about the RE initiatives at the exhibit area before, during, and after having lunch.

PRESS BRIEFING (12.15pm – 1.00pm)

RE industry and community-based practitioners, policy-makers, academics, and workers share their expertise and good practice as well as challenges and recommendations on making RE happen and help address existing food, energy, and income security concerns. Participants have the opportunity to learn from and engage in exchanges with resource persons and other participants in any of four (4) deep dive sessions; two (2) sessions will be conducted simultaneously every 1 hour and 45 minutes:

AFTERNOON (1.10pm – 4.30pm) – PLENARY SESSION

RE CONGRESS PROPER

Welcome Remarks

Dr. Fidel Nemenzo, Chancellor, University of the Philippines
Dr. Vinzenz Huzel, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippines

Keynote Speeches

Civil society, government, and or RE thought leaders present the urgent situation and needed action to address the predicaments of the country – particularly regarding energy access or realization of renewable energy for all, and its importance to economic recovery and jobs / income creation.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, Chair, Energy Committee, Senate of the Philippines
Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Dean, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

Presentation of Deep Dive Sessions Highlights

Rapporteurs of the deep dive sessions will share briefly the top 3 priority concerns.

Framework of RE in the Agri-Fishery Sector:
REpowering the Transport Sector: Irvin Boncacas, Sentro-POWER/Jaime Aguilar, Sentro-NCTU
Access, energy poverty and energy transition: why women’s perspectives matter: Sarina Lei Narida, WISE
REstructuring beyond EPIRA: Wilson Fortaleza, CPII/ D.Engr. Nelson Enano, Jr.

Messages from the Diplomatic Corps

Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Mr. Christoph Wagner

Head of Cooperation

Delegation of the European Union in Manila

Panel Discussion (1 hr, 30 mins.)

Policy/decision-makers, thought leaders and practitioners in the RE industry lay down the policies or programs, mechanisms and other needed support -including technical and financial - to make REAL (Renewable Energy for All) happen. The ensuing open forum / Q&A will surface critical questions or elaboration on the presentations.

Atty. Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla (tbc)

Secretary, Department of Energy

Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera

Climate Change Commission

Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin

Royal Danish Embassy in Manila

Dir. Sharon Montaner

Director III, Market Operations Service

Energy Regulatory Commission

Ms. Maria Teresa Diokno

Women in Inclusive and Sustainable Energy/CPII

Mr. Charlie Ayco

President

WeGen Distributed Energy

International Labor Organization (tbc)

Seal the REAL Deal (10 mins.)

Participants and stakeholders will take part in a commitment signing or symbolic pledge of support from stakeholders and RE Congress participants and guests. The REAL deal or Renewable Energy for All Agenda will be presented and RE Congress attendees can participate in “Sealing the REAL Deal” prior to implementing decisions and actions arrived at during the Congress.

Closing Remarks

Mr. Erel Narida, The CentRE

DEEP DIVE SESSIONS

Productive Uses of RE in the Agri-Fishery Sector (9.20am-10.50am)

Institute of Civil Engineering

UP Diliman, Quezon City

Room 405-406

9.20am-10.50am

SPEAKERS

Engr. Shawna Velasco

Engineering Supervisor,

The San Andres Aqua Culture Corporation (SANACOR)

Mr. Francisco M. Vilela Jr.

Vice President, Medvil Farms, Inc.

“Hatchicks-a hatchery in Pampanga that runs on solar”

Mr. Diogenes Armando Pascua

Electronics Engineer, University of Science and Technology in Southern Philippines

“Powertuves and Recool Smartbox – two innovations that help fishermen cut costs on batteries and ice”

Mr. Mars Catan

Chief Operative Officer

MAPECON Green Charcoal Philippines, Inc.

“Mapecon – Integrating Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Aquaculture & Farming”

REpowering the Transport Sector (9.20am-10.50am)

Institute of Civil Engineering

UP Diliman, Quezon City

Room 305-306

9.20am-10.50am

Moderator: Mr. Irvin Boncacas, Sentro-POWER

Introduction: Maris Cardenas, CentRE

SPEAKERS

Engr. Rene Fajilagutan

General Manager

Romblon Electric Cooperative

Mr. Jaime Aguilar

Secretary General

National Confederation of Transport Workers Union (NCTU)-Sentro

Ms. Yvonne Palomar- Castro

Lead Partnership and Industry Growth

UNIDO Shift to EMobility for Cities Ph (SEM Cities Ph)

Access, energy poverty and energy transition: why women’s perspectives matter (10.50am-12.20pm)

Institute of Civil Engineering

UP Diliman, Quezon City

Room 305-306

10.50am-12.20pm

Introduction: Sari Narida, Facilitator - Women in Inclusive and Sustainable Energy (WISE)

SPEAKERS

Ms. Maria Teresa Diokno

Executive Director, Center for Power Issues and Initiatives (CPII)

Co-convener, Women in Inclusive and Sustainable Energy (WISE)

Ms. Melba Tutor

Fellow, CPII

Ms. Mary Grace V. Gabis

Renewable Energy Management Bureau

Department of Energy

REstructuring power beyond EPIRA (10.50am-12.20pm)

Institute of Civil Engineering

UP Diliman, Quezon City

Room 405-406

10.50am-12.20pm

Introduction: Dr. Nelson Enano, Director, Ateneo de Davao University-Center for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technologies (ADDU-CREATE)

SPEAKERS

Mr. Wilson Fortaleza

Fellow

Center for Power Issues and Initiatives

Mr. James Miraflor

Fellow

CPII

Engr. Bert Dalusung III Energy Transition Advisor Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)

PLENARY SESSION (RE CONGRESS PROPER)

WELCOME, OPENING, INTRODUCTION

WELCOME REMARKS OPENING REMARKS INTRODUCTION

Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo

Chancellor

University of the Philippines - Diliman

Dr. Vinzenz Huzel

Resident Head

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Philippines

Francis dela Cruz

Chairperson

Center for Empowerment, iNnovation and Training on Renewable Energy

MESSAGES

KEYNOTE MESSAGE

Dr. Maria Antonia N. Tanchuling

Dean, College of Engineering

University of the Philippines

MESSAGE FROM THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines

MESSAGE FROM THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS

Mr. Christoph Wagner

Head of Cooperation

Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines

DEEP DIVE SESSIONS - HIGHLIGHTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Productive Uses of RE in the Agri-Fishery Sector

Rapporteur: Aira Turla

Associate for Research and Development, The CentRE

REpowering the Transport Sector

Rapporteur: Irvin Boncacas

Coordinator, Sentro-POWER

Access, energy poverty and energy transition: why women's perspectives matter

Rapporteur: Sari Narida

Facilitator, Women in Inclusive and Sustainable Energy and Just Transition (WISE)

REstructuring power beyond EPIRA

Rapporteur: Dr. Nelson Enano, Jr

Director, Ateneo de Davao University-Center for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technologies

PANEL SESSION

Commissioner Rachel Ann Herrera

Climate Change Commission - Philippines

Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin

Royal Danish Embassy in Manila

Director Sharon Montaner

Energy Regulatory Commission

Gaspar Escobar Jr.

Division Chief, National Renewable Energy Board Technical Services and Management Division

Department of Energy

Maitet Diokno

Executive Director, Center for Power Issues and Initiatives

Working Group Member, Women for Inclusive and Sustainable Energy

Charlie Ayco

President

WeGen Distributed Energy Philippines

"SEAL THE REAL DEAL"

Make the REAL Deal Happen:

Renewable Energy for All

(A People's Agenda for Inclusive, Just and Sustainable Energy Future)

Make the REAL Deal Happen:

Renewable Energy for All

A People’s Agenda for Inclusive, Just and Sustainable Energy Future

We, from various sectors and movements united around renewable energy and energy efficiency, offer this Agenda to make renewable energy a reality for all. We stand side-by-side with the millions of Filipinos who are electric power end-users – and millions more who do not enjoy electricity at home – in calling for change in the power sector.

This Agenda is grounded on the need to address continuing problems such as climate crisis, high prices of electricity, reliance on fossil fuels, weak regulation and governance, inefficient service delivery, and disregard for consumer welfare.

We share the frustration of many electricity consumers with the outright failures and slow pace of reforms in the power industry under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 and even under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Yet we remain confident that a more incisive and organized push for reforms in the industry from a broad assembly of organizations that are advocating renewable energy, energy efficiency. and democracy can make this advocacy for change possible.

Finally, we believe that only an electric power system based on sustainable energy technologies – with emphasis on developing smart grid and off-grid systems operating through more decentralized structures – can energize our dream of social justice and equity, sustainability, and local empowerment.

It is in this context that we propose the following reforms in the power industry to ensure its just transition to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy democracy:

Accelerating the Energy Sector Shift to RE and EEC

These actions and innovative mechanisms will be imperative in further accelerating the adoption/mainstreaming of RE and storage technologies while delivering lower electricity costs and stabilizing prices for consumer and ensuring domestic energy security:

· Prioritize the deployment of flexible and modular capacity additions, particularly using RE and EEC

· Mandatory decommissioning of aging and inefficient coal and petroleum based power plants, especially those that have already recovered capital investment costs

· Evaluate thoroughly the shift towards LNG as a bridge fuel

· Remove the automatic fuel cost pass-through to energy consumers and end-users

· Ensure consumer protection by continuously enhancing the implementation of least-cost and technology neutral mechanisms and compliance to safeguards in the procurement of electricity supply

· Ensure the implementation of competitive selection process CSP in power supply contracting supply by distribution utilities (DUs) and rural electric cooperatives (RECs) to prevent collusion and non-competitive behavior. However, waive CSP for small power projects to promote participation of small developers, including host communities

· Develop dedicated financing options designed to further mobilize public and private sector financial institutions

· Further harmonize the applicability and expansion of the Microgrid Systems Act to include deployments of community-based RE systems and aggregation of residential prosumers and consumers in general;

· Enhance the capability and provide adequate incentives/subsidies to the National Electrification Administration (NEA), Cooperative Development Administration (CDA), and the RECs to pursue electrification programs through the use of RE based mini-grids and micro-grid systems in geographically isolated areas

Democratizing the Electric Power Industry through RE and EEC and Ensuring Effective Governance

The policy shift from centralized conventional baseload plants to distributed generation and the preference for indigenous and clean energy must be reflected in a corresponding change in the regulatory framework and governance structures within a more diverse electric power market.

· RE and EEC stakeholders must be actively represented and consulted in all energy policy making bodies

· ensure enhanced consumer participation in regulatory bodies by facilitating consumer representation at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)

· Support the transformation of RECs into genuine cooperatives by ensuring that member-owners participate actively in management, enhance local REC capability to conceptualize and implement projects, and assist in further enhancing the digitization of payment systems to ensure a higher collection efficiency

· Multi-sectoral and participative planning for future power, emanating from the grassroots and with meaningful participation of consumers and end-users, especially women. In order to fully institutionalize and secure commitment to achieving the targets of the Local Energy Code, the capacity of the of the local government units (LGUs), ECs and DUs, and other stakeholders must be capacitated jointly by the DOE and DILG, in partnership with NGOs and the academe.

· To protect consumers from high prices in periods of volatile and low demand (such as the occurrence of lock-downs during the COVID-19 pandemic), curtailment or carve-out clauses should be mandated by the ERC for PSAs to encourage the proactive management of financial obligations to generators during exceptional circumstances.

CLOSING REMARKS / MOVING FORWARD