OMNI Features｜Vena Energy and MGen Renewable Energy Partner on 550MW Solar PV Project in the Philippines．MOL Training Center in the Philippines Achieves DNV Accreditation for Maritime Training．Data Gaps Hinder Climate Action in Asia-Pacific

｜Vena Energy and MGen Renewable Energy Partner on 550MW Solar PV Project in the Philippines
Vena Energy, based in Singapore, has entered into an investment agreement with MGen Renewable Energy to develop a 550MW solar PV project in Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines. The project, situated approximately 200km northwest of Manila, is set to commence construction later this year, with operations expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The project will span 590 hectares and require an investment of approximately US$565 million.

The Bugallon solar project will involve the installation of around 1,300,320 solar PV modules, complemented by a co-located battery energy storage system (BESS). The construction will be carried out by 3 Barracuda Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of Vena Energy. However, the capacity of the BESS has not been disclosed.

｜MOL Training Center in the Philippines Achieves DNV Accreditation for Maritime Training
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) announced that the MOL Training Center (Philippines) Inc. has become the first maritime training institute in the Philippines to receive accreditation from DNV, a leading classification society, for 4 key maritime training courses. This accreditation aligns with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) models, ensuring that the courses meet global standards, particularly those required by the Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE 2.0).

The accredited courses include Engine-Room Resource Management, Liquified Gas Cargo Control Room Resource Management, Oil Tanker Training, and Bridge Resource Management. This recognition highlights MOL's commitment to providing top-quality training to seafarers, contributing to the group's sustainability goals and the safety of maritime operations. MOL has already secured similar certifications for its training centers in India and Europe and plans to expand this accreditation to other locations.

｜Data Gaps Hinder Climate Action in Asia-Pacific
Asian and Pacific policy makers face significant challenges in collecting and analyzing the data necessary for effective climate change response, according to a new survey by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Limited staff and insufficient access to geographically detailed data are key obstacles, impeding efforts to address climate change in a region highly vulnerable to its effects.

The survey, covering 29 national statistical offices, reveals that many offices lack dedicated climate data units and face difficulties in obtaining crucial data on climate drivers and impacts. This data deficit hampers the design and evaluation of targeted, effective climate policies.

The ADB emphasizes the need for investment in statistical systems and the adoption of the Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX) standard to enhance data collection and analysis. Such improvements are essential for creating evidence-based policies to combat climate change effectively across the region.

Reference: Energy Box｜Mitsui O.S.K. Lines｜ADB