US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. has highlighted the potential of the Philippines for tremendous growth in the renewable energy market.

According to Thomas, less red tape and less corruption will help attract investment from the United States in renewable energy and other sectors "which is good for business, good for the economy, and good for Mother Earth."

"One key opportunity for economic growth, development, and job creation is investment in the renewable energy market. In an era of global warming and growing energy demands, the Philippines has potential for tremendous growth in this sector," Thomas said in his remarks before of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC).

He pointed out that through investment in sources of energy such as geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind, the Philippines, along with the US, can work toward clean energy projects and growth for the future.

Thomas' declaration came on the heels of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's announcement that Philippines is set to send a delegation for geothermal research and study in Brazil.

According to Aquino, a company recently privatized called the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) and headed by his uncle Paul Aquino will lead the delegation to Brazil to assist in energy projects in that nation.

“They are primarily into geothermal resources as the means for turning turbines to produce electricity. We as a country are recognized as the second most advanced in terms of exploiting geothermal resources. So we will be sending a delegation. We will now export talents for the benefit of our nation,” Aquino pointed out.

The PNOC-EDC was established in 1976 to undertake the exploration and development of geothermal energy sources in the country. It is engaged in integrated power generation and the sale of steam to the National Power Corporation (NPC). It was PNOC-EDC that was responsible for making the Philippines the second largest producer of geothermal steam and user of wet steam technology for energy production.

To date, PNOC-EDC operates nine geothermal steam fields with an aggregate capacity of 1,145 megawatts accounting for about 60 percent of the country's total installed geothermal capacity. Since its venture into the power generation business in 1997, it has significantly increased its contribution to the country's overall power generation. The company presently operates four power plants, which were built through the Build-Operate-Transfer scheme.

As this developed, Thomas, likewise, reiterated during the same gathering that the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines deployed in Mindanao are merely there to provide and offer information, training and medical support to the Philippine Armed Forces who are at the frontline of counter terrorism efforts.

“They do not, repeat not, engage in combat,” Thomas said during his remarks before members
Thomas made the statement as he explained that the Visiting Forces Agreement makes the US-RP security cooperation possible in an atmosphere of absolute respect for Philippine sovereignty.

"Our security cooperation is vital in the counter-terrorism effort, but also in the effort to provide better lives to our citizens. The Philippines has been a gracious host to joint training exercises that allow both our militaries to practice skills to ensure we are effective partners whether working on a UN peacekeeping mission or responding to a natural disaster in Manila, in New Orleans, or in Haiti," Thomas said.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have taken an increasingly effective posture against terrorists, and we have been privileged to support their efforts at the invitation of the government," Thomas added.