By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis joined the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to implement the Support Facility for Renewable Energy (SF4RE) projects in a partnership event held today, June 15, at the Marquis Events Place, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. 

SF4RE is designed to encourage local renewable energy investments by accelerating the deployment of RE systems and enhancing local capabilities to innovate, create, operate, and maintain RE facilities. 

The MOU signing is an integral component of the SF4RE implementation which outlines the commitments and responsibilities of the Department of Energy (DOE) and other proponents. 

MMSU is the only academic institution in the country which became a partner of the DOE for the SF4RE. The university has two SF4RE supported projects: the Deployment of Solar Power Distiller for Bioethanol Production used as a Main Agent for Bio-based Products in Response to COVID-19 Emerging Needs; and, the Solar Power Aquatic Life Support System, in partnership with the municipal local government unit of Aparri, Cagayan. 

Joining PSCA in attending the partnership event were Research Director Bjorn Santos and NBERIC Research and Innovation Chief Thomas Ubiña. 

SF4RE forms significant part in the realization of the Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability (DREAMS), a five-year project that promotes and facilitates the commercialization of renewable energy markets. It is implemented by the DOE’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau, in partnership with the United Nations and Development Program and the Global Environment Facility. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)