EU lauds private sector investment in PH renewable energy

DAWN FOR GREEN ENERGY THE WINDMILLS in the wind farm of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that is now generating up to 150 megawatts of clean electricity CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen commended the private sector for pouring investments in renewable energy in the Philippines.

In his visit to Burgos town in Ilocos Norte recently, Jessen saw how the EU and the Philippines were able to forge cooperation in providing renewable energy in the country through the Burgos wind farm project which was set up by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

READ: EDC cited for Burgos wind project

“With a record high P90 billion (€1.74 billion) reported investments in 2015, 37 percent of total, the EU continues to be the largest investor in the Philippines. More importantly, we invest in sectors that matter in terms of job creation and technology transfer. This is an excellent example where Philippine and European industry comes together for the benefit of sustainable development. We want more of that,” Jessen said.

He said that the Burgos wind project uses European (Danish) wind systems turbines and said that it is “a very good example of how EU and the Philippines can work together to power the country in a clean and efficient way.”

READ: Firm in Ilocos shows clean energy doable

Jessen was with German Ambassador Thomas Ossowski, Romanian Chargé d’Affaires, a.i Mr. Mihai Sion, and Head of trade, Walter van Hattum, EU Delegation to the Philippines during his visit in the said town.

He also took the opportunity to tell the business sector to take advantage of the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preference (GSP+) special incentive program which provides for zero percent tariffs for two thirds of export products. AJH