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Prof. Ocon of LEE Honored with The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2023
Mecaelah Palaganas • January 19, 2024
As a testament to his impactful contributions and leadership, Prof. Joey D. Ocon, co-founder of the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE), was honored as one of the recipients of The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2023
on October 30, 2023.
Launched in 2020, The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award recognizes individuals and groups fostering science, technology, and innovation to address social issues and promote sustainability in the ASEAN region. The award acknowledges outstanding achievements in research and development (R&D), encompassing visions for an ideal future society and social implementation plans aligning with the UN's SDGs.
In support of his nomination, Prof. Ocon highlighted the LEE off-grid electrification research team's impactful initiatives
to tackle challenges in off-grid generation and distribution.
Utilizing diverse approaches, including techno-economic models, business development tools, policy-oriented studies, and collaborations with national and international organizations, the team has demonstrated a commitment to public welfare. Notably, their in-house microgrid modeling tool developed by lead software developer and researcher Asst. Prof Michael Castro, ISLA (Island System LCOE Algorithm), stands as a key output. Developed using open-source Python 3 and protected by software copyright since 2021, ISLA enables electrification planning in islands through simulations. Following the team's long track record of R&D in offgrid electrification, they are also currently engaged in consulting work with the
World Bank to develop a comprehensive national hybridization roll-out plan for Philippine off-grid islands.
The team's efforts, embodied by ISLA, present a transformative vision for off-grid island residents in the Philippines. Enabling better access to essential services, improved quality of life, increased economic opportunities, and a stronger connection to the world through renewable energy and sustainable practices, these endeavors highlights Prof. Ocon's well-deserved recognition as a recipient of The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2023.
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
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
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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