With an extensive career spanning over 40 years, Bert Dalusung stands as a prominent figure in the Philippine energy sector, recognized for his deep expertise in renewable energy development, national energy planning, and policy formulation. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Dalusung’s early career included a significant tenure as Director for Energy Planning in the precursor to the current Department of Energy. During this period, he was at the forefront of groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of geothermal steam pricing mechanisms, the structuring of electricity costs and transfer pricing, the establishment of national energy balance reporting, and the execution of comprehensive nationwide household energy surveys. This foundational work laid the groundwork for more informed energy planning and policy in the Philippines.
Following his service in the government, Dalusung became the Philippine focal point for the EU-ASEAN Cogen Programme. This influential program led to tangible outcomes, including the establishment of the first biomass power plant for a rice mill in the country and a definitive study on the cogeneration potential within the sugar industry, showcasing early successes in biomass energy utilization.
A visionary in recognizing the potential of wind energy, Dalusung conceived of and was instrumental in securing local counterpart funding for the Philippine Wind Atlas. This crucial project, undertaken by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), provided the essential data for wind energy development across the archipelago.
Even before the landmark Renewable Energy Act of 2008, Dalusung was actively involved in pioneering renewable energy projects. His efforts contributed to the development of the first utility-scale grid-connected solar power plant in the Philippines and the 7-MW Bubunawan Minihydro power plant, demonstrating his commitment to diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio.
Dalusung’s leadership extended to industry representation and advisory roles. He is the former President of the Biomass Renewable Energy Alliance (BREA) and served as a Member of the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB), where he represented the interests of private developers, contributing his expertise to the national push for renewable energy.
Currently, Bert Dalusung continues to be an influential voice in the sector, serving as a Senior Advisor at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). In this role, he remains a staunch advocate for increased renewable energy adoption and has been involved in significant projects such as the Romblon wind-solar-diesel hybrid project, which aims for high renewable energy penetration. He has also been noted for his expertise as a power transmission and distribution specialist and his advocacy for initiatives like the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP). His enduring commitment and visionary approach continue to drive progress in the Philippine renewable energy landscape.
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