The Philippines and Japan have entered into a landmark partnership to strengthen energy cooperation and drive sustainable growth through a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that promotes clean energy investment, technology exchange, and energy security between the Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).

Signed on October 17, 2025, during the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the agreement formalizes the two countries’ collaboration to promote energy security, resilience, and low-carbon development. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and Japanese Minister Muto Yoji led the signing, witnessed by Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce.

The partnership supports the AZEC framework, which encourages diverse energy transition pathways suited to each country’s needs in achieving carbon neutrality. It aims to accelerate clean-energy innovation, expand investments, and strengthen policy dialogue in pursuit of a secure and sustainable energy future.

Under the MoC, the Philippines and Japan will cooperate in key areas such as renewable energy, grid integration, energy storage, hydrogen, ammonia, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The agreement also covers capacity building, knowledge exchange, and collaborative pilot projects that will enhance skills and competitiveness in emerging energy industries.

Japan has committed to supporting the partnership through the Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI), with the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) and the DOE’s Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (EPPB) serving as focal points for implementation. The cooperation will take effect immediately and continue for four years, with the possibility of extension upon mutual consent.

In a statement, Secretary Garin emphasized the long-term significance of the initiative.

“This partnership with Japan is a long-term investment in a sustainable future,” she said. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and building a resilient energy sector that will power our economies for decades to come. This is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating jobs, fostering innovation, and improving the quality of life for our citizens. A sustainable energy sector is a foundation for a thriving economy and a healthy society.”

The DOE said the Energy Partnership highlights the Philippines and Japan’s shared vision of a cleaner, more resilient, and prosperous energy future for both nations and the wider Asian region.

How do you think this new partnership will shape the Philippines’ transition toward a cleaner and more secure energy future?

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