The Department of Energy (DOE) has signed an agreement with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) and Shell Energy Philippines, Inc. (SEPH) for the conduct of a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station inquiry run by renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar.
The DOE said the agreement is part of the objectives of the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040 to transition towards clean energy fuels and technologies as well as provide the support infrastructure for the target 10 percent EV penetration rate for road transport by 2040.
The key components of the pilot project include supply, installation, operation, and maintenance of EV chargers, monitoring and verification of energy efficiency, performance, and savings through the utilization of RE and optimization of the use of cleaner energy.
The pilot project outcome will be used as reference for the DOE to further develop programs, policies and regulations for the sustainable and safe adoption and operation of EV chargers involving the use of RE.
Generated data from the pilot project will also serve as benchmark for PSPC and SEPH to develop and roll out EV chargers in its network and existing and future Shell-branded mobility sites.
“These alternative opportunities could also position Shell at the forefront of their quest for sustainable and inclusive growth by adding a more compelling long-term vision for clean technologies and renewable energy investment into their portfolio,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, in a statement.
Apart from this, a national plan for the EV industry through the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry is set for release by the end of the first quarter this year after a series of public consultations nationwide.
Data as of end-2021 show some 9,000 registered EVs in the country of which 378 are public utility vehicles. As of the same period, 327 charging stations have been deployed nationwide.
