DOST-PCIEERD Opens Call For Proposals For Renewable Energy Innovations Under RESTI Program In The Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) has announced the opening of the Call for Proposals for its Renewable Energy Science, Technology, and Innovation (RESTI) Program. This initiative, beginning today, is a key component of the cooperation agreement between the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) and DOST-PCIEERD.

The RESTI program aligns with the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513), focusing on the Renewable Energy Trust Fund (RETF) and the DOST Grants-In-Aid Program Guidelines. Its main objective is to boost the development and utilization of renewable energy sources in response to climate change challenges and the need for clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. has called on innovators to submit proposals to help address the country’s renewable energy sector challenges. “We urge our researchers, engineers, and scientists to submit trailblazing ideas that will bring innovative solutions to challenges faced by the renewable energy sector. We look forward to how our RSEs can shape the future of our society and ensure sustainable energy sources,” he said.

The RESTI program seeks research proposals in the following priority areas:

1. Integrated Renewable Energy (RE) Information and Mapping Systems: This project aims to streamline and automate the monitoring and operation of renewable energy initiatives, with a budget allocation of P50 million over three years.
2. Local Market Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: This project involves conducting a market study to assess the volume of key components of Solar PV Systems in the Philippine market, with a budget of P5 million.
3. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production: This project supports the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in achieving its goal of no carbon emissions from international flights by 2050, with a budget of P35 million.

DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed optimism about the potential impact of the proposals. “We challenge our researchers to come up with novel ideas to address the energy concerns we are facing. As we strive to be the Nexus of Innovation, we are keen to support ideas that can energize our nation towards economic development,” he stated.

Qualified proposals can be submitted by public and private universities and colleges, Research and Development Institutes (RDIs), R&D Consortia, non-profit laboratories, and other public or private non-profit S&T institutions based in the Philippines. Applications will be accepted through the DOST Project Management Monitoring System (DPMIS) from July 15, 2024, to August 2, 2024, at 5:00 pm.