With the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation, combating climate change and its effects, contributing to energy security and improving environmental quality, the RD signed on Thursday memorandums of understanding with Chile and Panama, during the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA).
These agreements, which will be valid for two years, seek the integral use of energy resources for present and future generations, under the criteria of transparency and environmental, economic and social sustainability, as well as to promote actions that contribute to these countries’ ability to promote the implementation of public policies in their respective sectors, based on their possibilities and needs. A similar agreement has been established between Panama and Chile, which strengthens cooperation in the region.
With the signing of these agreements, a commitment is established to share experiences and best practices in key areas, such as energy planning, policies and transition, strengthening of the regulatory and institutional legal framework and decarbonization of the generation matrix. In addition, the production of electricity from non-conventional renewable sources, energy efficiency and the rational use of energy, storage and digitalization of energy systems and smart grids will be promoted.
Antonio Almonte represents the country
The Dominican Minister of Energy and Mines, Antonio Almonte, represented the country in these important signings. Luis Felipe Andrés Ramos Barrera, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy, signed for the Chilean government, while Rosilena Ivette Lindo Riggs of the National Energy Secretariat signed for Panama. These agreements mark a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for these nations.
Minister Almonte expressed his satisfaction with the agreement with Chile, highlighting the continued collaboration in key areas such as regulation, bidding and capacity building.
He highlighted that Chile has been a pioneer and successful in clean energy production “and this memorandum of understanding reinforces the collaboration we have maintained for many years”.
For his part, Chile’s Undersecretary of Energy emphasized the importance of the agreement for strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations. “I hope that we can continue to deepen ties and improve joint capabilities for the benefit of both countries.”
These agreements aim to explore technologies in development and research, particularly on green hydrogen, as well as the identification of opportunities and incentives related to its development. Likewise, distributed generation and energy and power supply tenders.
The modalities of cooperation will include the exchange of experiences, information and knowledge, the joint development of proposals or projects and training programs, as well as technical and legal assistance. These joint efforts aim at a stronger and more sustainable regional energy integration.
Chile’s experience
The Republic of Chile has implemented an ambitious Green Hydrogen Strategy with the vision of activating its domestic industry and developing exports. This strategy seeks to scale up to conquer global markets and establish Chile as the country with the largest investments in green hydrogen in Latin America, as well as a world leader in electrolysis production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
In parallel, Chile is implementing a National Energy Policy that establishes substantive goals to promote gender equality within the sector. The policy is designed to close existing gender gaps by implementing specific programs that encourage the equitable and sustainable incorporation of women in the energy industries. In addition, affirmative measures are being taken to challenge gender stereotypes and biases, ensuring inclusive progress at all levels of the energy sector.
Panama moves forward
Following the signing of the agreements with the RD and Chile, the executive head of Panama’s Energy Secretariat, Rosilena Lindo, expressed her delight at continuing to create spaces in terms of interconnection with countries with which such good relations are maintained.
From Chile she said that it served as inspiration and that the agreement signed represents an opportunity to continue the development of appropriate policies, mainly in terms of green hydrogen.
The agreement establishes that Panama places itself at the forefront of sustainability, while outlining its Green Hydrogen Roadmap and its aspiration to become the Global Green Hydrogen Route par excellence.
This ambitious project includes the development of policies, regulations and promotion of investments in infrastructure for the production and storage of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
It adds that, with a clear vision towards decarbonization, Panama also offers low-emission logistics services, contributing significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases in maritime, air and land transportation, as well as in national and regional industry.
The signed agreements include the designation of a responsible counterpart who will have the task of monitoring, supporting and coordinating the activities necessary to ensure compliance with the agreed terms during their two-year validity period.
The signing of these commitments took place at the convention center where the activity was held, in the presence of energy ministers, U.S. government delegates, and representatives of the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, among other cooperation and development entities.
Source: Presidencia.gob.do
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