Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) have forged a partnership to advance renewable energy research, technology development, and workforce training in support of the country's transition to clean energy.

The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the PSSEA Annual Assembly at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas, formalizing their collaboration in the solar and energy storage sectors.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. and PSSEA President Jose Rafael Mendoza led the signing, witnessed by PSSEA Chairperson Maria Theresa Capellan and Engr. Thomas Ubiña, project leader of the MMSU Center for Affiliated Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Conservation (MMSU-CARE).

Under the agreement, the partners will collaborate on research, technical studies, innovation projects, training programs, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to accelerate the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies.

MMSU-CARE will lead research on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including engineering studies, system performance analysis, technical assessments, field validation, diagnostic surveys, performance testing, and documentation of research outputs.

PSSEA will facilitate industry collaboration by connecting the university with renewable energy stakeholders, providing technical data and operational insights, supporting the dissemination of research findings, and promoting industry standards and best practices.

The partnership also covers the enhancement of technical standards for solar PV systems, the development of a Solar Technology Testing Center, and the conduct of technical workshops and stakeholder consultations aligned with national policies and professional standards.

Manzano said the collaboration will strengthen the university's research capabilities while helping prepare professionals for the country's growing renewable energy industry.

"Through this partnership with industry, we can generate innovations, strengthen technical capabilities, and prepare future professionals who will help accelerate the country's transition to clean and sustainable energy," he said.

PSSEA said the agreement strengthens industry-academe collaboration by linking renewable energy experts with researchers and students to promote knowledge exchange, technical innovation, and the adoption of best practices in the solar and energy storage sectors.

PSSEA is a non-stock, non-profit organization representing stakeholders in the solar and energy storage industry, while MMSU-CARE, under the university's National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center, leads renewable energy and energy efficiency research in support of national development goals.