The Department of Energy (DOE) has entered into a partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Ministry of Energy to develop a roadmap aimed at strengthening energy cooperation and exploring the potential use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the energy sector.
This partnership aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ongoing efforts to strengthen energy investments and enhance energy security in the Philippines, following his visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2023.
“Prince Abdulaziz (bin Salman Al Saud) and his team expressed interest in our native or naturally occurring hydrogen resources. Given Saudi Arabia’s extensive expertise in the exploration and development of upstream sectors, this cooperation holds promising benefits for both countries,” Energy secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement.
The agreement, signed on October 14, outlines key areas for cooperation, including petroleum derivatives, native hydrogen exploration, sustainable aviation fuel, digital technology for electrical systems management, and energy efficiency.
A focal point of the collaboration will be the application of AI to optimize energy management, particularly through real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy forecasting.
“We will also jointly explore the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence to enhance the management of our electrical systems and broader energy infrastructure,” Lotilla added, citing the use of smarter grids and automated control systems that can drive sustainable and secure energy solutions.
The DOE and KSA’s Ministry of Energy will convene in upcoming bilateral meetings to refine the details of their joint initiatives.