Enlisting new partners in the common ambition to create a renewable energy-driven future, Chairman and CEO, Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec), Dr. Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri met with officials from the Republic of the Philippines, including Department of Energy Secretary, Alfonso G. Cusi, and Philippines’ Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Alan L. Timbayan.

The meeting agenda included discussions on QSTec’s maturation in the energy industry and its integration across the solar value chain, the growing solar energy market in the Philippines as well as possible collaboration opportunities. Other government officials present during the meeting included Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos and Assistant Secretary Atty. Gerardo D. Erguiza Jr. from the Department of Energy as well as First Secretary and Consul General Roussel R. Reyes from the Embassy of the Philippines.

Notably, QSTec is MENA’s first fully integrated solar company as well as the largest polysilicon producer in the region, with a manufacturing facility of 8,000 metric tonnes per annum in Qatar.

The organization is strongly committed to collaborating with international partners in the interest of progressively harvesting solar energy, combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, QSTec sees far-reaching potential for collaborating with the Philippines in effectively meeting these common targets. Under the Philippines’ Renewable Energy Roadmap 2017-2040, the country aims to develop and install 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2040. Already, Philippines has prompted a number of new initiatives aimed at fast-tracking renewable energy growth and investment.

“With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines holds enormous solar energy potential,” observed Dr. Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri. “As a fully integrated solar company, there is a tremendous opportunity for QSTec and its partners to work jointly with the Philippines in a wide range of solar industry development areas. QSTec spans the entire solar value chain from polysilicon to solar modules, right through to developing advanced manufacturing technologies for the solar and semi-conductor industries. As such, QSTec, coupled with the strength of its global network, is well-placed to assist in helping meet Philippines’ solar energy targets.” Underscoring friendly Qatari-Filipino ties, Dr. Al Hajri explained that the existing strength in bilateral relations served as an important foundation with which to further expand business and economic bonds and develop strategic partnerships for solar industry growth. Dr. Al Hajri said: “Cusi has exerted great efforts to accelerate the growth of solar and renewable energy in the Philippines and we look forward to harnessing our respective resources and pooling together our collective brainpower to build new solar partnerships for growth

Source: FANA