By Billy Begas
President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Bjorn Jahnsen on Wednesday discussed the development of renewable energy sources in the Philippines.
During his courtesy visit to Marcos in Mandaluyong City, Jahnsen said he mentioned offshore wind energy that could provide job opportunities for Filipinos aside from increasing the supply of electricity.
“I mentioned to the President-elect that according to a study by the World Bank: A Roadmap on Offshore Wind for the Philippines, which we think, will be an important new sector in the country that presents great opportunities for the Philippines in the future,” Jansen said.
Jahnsen added that Norway has made investments in the Philippines in the renewable energy sector and more companies also intend to invest in the coming years.
He said this could provide additional 50,000 good-paying jobs for Filipinos.
“This is a great opportunity for the Philippines for a plenty supply of energy. As you know, the country is growing in economy and energy consumption is increasing so offshore wind is really one of your best bets for the future,” he added.
However, Jahnsen said that some policies in the Philippines should be adjusted.
“For instance, foreign companies should be able to own a majority of the equity in these types of investments as they often are investments with several billions of dollars and foreign investors would like to have a certainty of having a majority stake in their investment,” he added.
Jahnsen said he also invited Marcos to attend and speak at the renewable energy conference in October.
He also told the incoming President about the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl that will berth in Manila in October.
