Dr. Trencher of Japan’s Tohoku University talks about Japan’s Hydrogen masterplan

admin • February 28, 2019

LEE hosted the visit of Dr. Gregory Trencher, an associate professor from Tohoku University, Japan following a lecture at the Audio-Visual Room, National Engineering Center, University of the Philippines – Diliman last February 20. It was attended by UP professors, graduate and undergraduate students as well as junior high school students from the John Dewey School for Children.

The lecture is about Japan’s Pursuit of a Hydrogen Society, a master plan in adopting a hydrogen economy towards the year 2040. It began with the introduction of hydrogen life cycle noting that the generation of this resource is currently mainly from fossil fuel source such as coal and natural gas. The flexibility of hydrogen is also showcased in the discussion as it can be utilized for electricity generation, energy storage, or mobility applications. The country’s roadmap is mainly focused on fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) which is divided into three-phases: (1) Diffusion of FCVs and hydrogen power stations, (2) mass production and gradual integration to power generation, (3) full integration to transport sector and carbon-free hydrogen production. The argument was that the main challenge of diffusing FCVs is the lack of infrastructure similar to that of gasoline stations. Japan is tackling this challenge by giving subsidies and sharing risk across industries. The most interesting in Japan’s approach is that the companies behind the usage and consumption of diesel and gasoline is at the forefront of hydrogen transition. This is evidenced by the development of the Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity, both big names in the automotive industry. The lecture was closed with a brief presentation on the partnership between Australia and Japan to develop an international supply chain for the short-to-midterm solution on the hydrogen supply.

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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