The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Japan International Cooperation (JICA) partnered to advance the Philippines’ clean energy goals through a three-year technical cooperation project

In a statement on Tuesday, the DOE said outgoing Secretary Raphael Lotilla and JICA chief representative Baba Takashi signed the Records of Discussion for the Project on Resource Inventory of Hydropower Potential Sites on June 9.

Under the project, there will be a nationwide resource inventory of hydropower potential sites in the country.

The initiative aims to identify and assess viable large-scale hydropower sites across the country, in support of sustainable power generation and encourage greater private sector participation through the DOE’s Open and Competitive Selection Process.

Scheduled to commence in September 2025, the project will focus on developing a national inventory of large-scale hydropower sites, particularly those suitable for impounding and pumped-storage technologies with capacities exceeding 100 megawatts (MW).

The project will be implemented in three phases, beginning with the gathering of relevant data such as topographic maps, rainfall and flow data and conduct of field survey of four priority sites.

These pilot areas will be for pre-feasibility studies and potential future investment opportunities.

“This project marks a crucial step toward harnessing the full potential of hydropower, particularly pumped storage, as a strategic enabler of a power system that is clean, flexible, and resilient. Japan’s global leadership in hydropower innovation brings immense value to this collaboration,” Lotilla said.

“Through JICA’s technical expertise, we gain the tools and insights needed to identify and unlock untapped hydropower resources, laying a strong foundation for long-term investments, rural development, and enhanced energy security,” Lotilla added.

Lotilla will soon move to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, replacing Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga. (PNA)