Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology welcomes Prof. Ocon and Dr. Matienzo for a Short Research Visit

July 20, 2023

by Dr. DJ Donn Matienzo - 19 July 2023

Prof. Joey D. Ocon, Ph.D. and Dr. DJ Donn Matienzo, from the University of the Philippines Diliman, recently concluded a short research visit at Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Dübendorf, Switzerland) as part of the "AURORA: Advanced Utilization and Research On Renewable Ammonia" project. Their collaborative investigation of photo-electrocatalysts during the short visit holds great promise for advancing renewable ammonia production.

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During the visit from 10th to 12th July 2023, Prof. Ocon and Dr. Matienzo focused on discussing the ongoing R&D efforts, plans for the exchange of researchers, and potential long-term collaboration. The exchange of expertise and utilization of state-of-the-art facilities resulted in significant strides toward sustainable energy solutions. The collaboration between Dr. Artur Braun (Switzerland-based Principal Investigator) and Prof. Joey Ocon (Philippine-based collaborator) strengthens the partnership between Empa and the University of the Philippines Diliman – Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (UPD-LEE). The insights gained during this visit will fuel further research and have far-reaching implications for sustainable ammonia synthesis. Project AURORA exemplifies the power of international collaborations in driving innovation and propelling the development of greener energy solutions.

Note: Project AURORA (No. RPG_ASEAN_072022_05) received funding from the Research Partnership Grants ASEAN (RPG ASEAN) from ETH Zürich Leading House. This project is being supported by The Clean and Vertically-Integrated Pure/Applied Hydrogen Energy Research for Next Generation Power Systems (CIPHER) Project (Project Leader: Dr. Joey D. Ocon), which commenced on 18 April 2022, which has received funding from the Commission on Higher Education – Philippine-California Advanced Research Institute under the Cycle 6 grants (IIID 2018-008).

LEE participates in PyPSA workshop

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
LEE research staff and graduate students participated in an in-house training and workshop on the Python for Power Systems Analysis (PyPSA) toolbox on October 9 and 23, 2024 . The sessions were led by Arizeo Salac (SRS 1, ElectriPHI), who returned from a six-month research sandwich program at the Reiner Lemoine Institute in Berlin, Germany , where he focused on data-driven decision-making and energy systems modeling. The training included a detailed discussion on energy systems modeling, with key topics such as data sources and the representation of energy systems using both conventional and renewable technologies. Participants received hands-on assistance with the software setup and installation, followed by simulation activities that showcased PyPSA’s capabilities in energy and power systems analysis. Mr. Salac also presented his baseline model of the Philippine energy system, which can be utilized for energy transition scenario planning. The event aimed to enhance participants' proficiency with open-source modeling tools, share best practices in modeling, and support their research in energy systems. Article by: Sophia Lunor

LEE among Filipino Delegates at the ASEAN Battery Technology Conference in Singapore

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
Prof. Joey D. Ocon, Dr. Julie Anne D.R. Paraggua, Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, and Giancarlo Sanglay were among the Filipino delegates at the 2nd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference , held from August 21 to 23, 2024 , at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore. Themed "Powering ASEAN: Innovating the Future of Battery," the event was co-organized by key ASEAN associations from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They were accompanied by LEE member and graduate student, Giancarlo Sanglay and NextGen Project Chief Technical Specialist, Dr. Lawrence Limjuco, of the Advanced Batteries Center. The conference aimed to foster connections among researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders within the battery and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. It provided a platform for knowledge exchange, technical discussions, and potential collaborations. Key topics included the development of the Battery and EV Roadmap for Southeast Asia, as well as government policies and regulations surrounding battery and energy storage systems (ESS) applications. Industry leaders and academic experts also addressed technological advancements in battery materials, financial support for innovations, and strategies for managing the end-of-life value chain of batteries. Prof. Ocon, who also serves as Co-Founder of Nascent Batteries, played an active role in the event by moderating a panel discussion on advancing ESS technologies in Asia. The panel featured representatives from prominent organizations, including EDP Renewables APAC, Green Tenaga Pte Ltd, and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. This collaborative event underscored the region's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and highlighted the critical role of ASEAN countries in driving innovation within the battery and EV industries. Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta

Hello, LEE, Goodbye: Lab Members bid adieu to departing colleagues

By Mecaelah Palaganas • November 30, 2024
The Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE) held a despedida party to bid farewell to two of its active members — Ms. Rosela Lazaro and Asst. Prof. Michael Castro — as they embark on a new chapter of their academic journey. The LEE members, along with their laboratory head, Prof. Joey D. Ocon, celebrated through a friendly competition at the Ever Gotesco Bowling Alley, Commonwealth Avenue last August 19, 2024. This also fostered camaraderie and strengthened the bond and friendship between the lab members. Ms. Lazaro will be studying MS in Environmental Science and Engineering at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea. Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Castro will be pursuing a doctorate degree in Nuclear Engineering and Management at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He will be returning to UP Diliman to tend to his duties at the Department of Chemical Engineering. Indeed, ‘goodbyes’ are not the end. It marks a beginning of a new ‘hello’, a step closer to making dreams come true. To Sir Michael, ganbatte! To Sela, hwaiting! We are all rooting for you both! Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta
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