In a bid to support the government’s search for commercially viable energy sources and the development of renewable sources, the Senate seeks to create a “world-class and independent” energy research and policy body.

Such a body for research should be pushed through as soon as possible to help address research and policy gaps in the local energy sector and bring about reforms that directly benefits Filipinos.

The need for an independent energy think-tank was deliberated on in relation to Senate Bill (SBN) 172 or An Act Creating the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI) heard on Wednesday.

“The fundamental logic why we are pushing this bill is really to come up with an independent research institute that will be, I describe it as a sparring partner for government so that it can complement or at least provide check and balance in policies and the end goal, someday, becoming energy independent for our constituents,” its proponent said.

SBN 172 mandates the establishment of the PERPI at the University of the Philippines and will be composed of scholars and energy sector professionals. It will be tasked to conduct multidisciplinary energy research, incubate and develop cutting edge technologies, and serve as the sparring partner for the government during the energy policy-making process.

The UP president will be given the authority to appoint the Executive Director based on the recommendation of the Advisory Council. The bill appropriates P200 million for the initial funding of the think tank.

Proponents said the Philippines may learn from the US and Singapore experience where the majority of their energy research institutes are under reputable universities such as Stanford University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and the National University of Singapore.