Philippine Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright at the US Department of Energy offices in Washington, D.C., on October 15, 2026, to discuss cooperation on LNG, coal, geothermal, nuclear energy, strategic petroleum reserves, and natural hydrogen. The Philippine DOE said the talks aim to diversify the country’s energy sources, develop domestic resources, and build technical capacity for long-term energy security.
Key Facts At A Glance
- Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright met at the US Department of Energy offices in Washington, D.C., on October 15, 2026.
- The agenda covered LNG, coal, geothermal, nuclear energy, strategic petroleum reserves, and natural hydrogen.
- On fuel security, the Philippines is looking to US experience in emergency oil stockpiling and preparedness for supply disruptions.
- The nuclear discussion took place under the Philippines-US 123 Agreement, signed in 2023 and in force since 2024.
- The officials discussed the US State Department’s FIRST program, which supports small modular reactor capacity building, and a reverse trade mission funded by the US Trade and Development Agency.
- The talks also covered geothermal energy and natural hydrogen, including Koloma’s native hydrogen exploration in the Philippines.
- Reports on the meeting did not mention any signed agreement, financial commitment, or timeline.
Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin met US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on October 15, 2026, at the US Department of Energy offices in Washington, D.C. Their discussions covered possible cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, geothermal, and nuclear energy, as well as strategic petroleum reserves and natural hydrogen. The Philippine DOE released details of the meeting in a statement, which local media reported on October 18.
“Our priority is to ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for Filipino families and businesses,” Garin said. “Strengthening our partnership with the United States will help us diversify our energy sources, develop indigenous resources, and build the technical capabilities needed to support our long-term energy security.”
Fuel Security And Petroleum Reserves
On fuel security, the two officials discussed possible cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves. This includes opportunities for the Philippines to draw on US experience in emergency oil stockpiling and in preparing for international supply disruptions.
Separately, the DOE is promoting the Philippines as a potential oil storage hub for Asia and has proposed allowing foreign countries to set up storage facilities in the country.
Nuclear Energy Cooperation
The nuclear discussion took place under the Philippines-US Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, known as the 123 Agreement, which was signed in 2023 and entered into force in 2024. According to the DOE, both sides discussed initiatives supporting the Philippines’ preparations for nuclear power. These include the US Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, which supports technical and institutional capacity building.
The officials also discussed a reverse trade mission funded by the US Trade and Development Agency. The mission is meant to connect Philippine officials and industry representatives with US nuclear technology providers and with experts in financing, regulation, and workforce development.
Indigenous Resources
The meeting also covered opportunities to develop geothermal energy and natural hydrogen in the Philippines. This included the native hydrogen exploration being carried out in the country by US-based Koloma, and how it could contribute to the long-term energy mix.
The DOE said it will continue to pursue international partnerships that strengthen the country’s resilience against supply disruptions, support responsible development of domestic resources, and expand access to reliable and affordable energy.
Public reports on the meeting did not mention any signed agreement, financial commitment, project, or implementation timeline from the discussions.