Manila, Philippines — The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Ofi Invest Group of France signed a Memorandum of Understanding on December 12, 2025, establishing a structured cooperation framework to examine the role of biomethane and circular-economy technologies in supporting the Philippines’ long-term sustainability and energy-transition agenda.
The MoU brings together PNOC with Ofi Invest, its subsidiary Syncicap Asset Management, and Grow Capital Partners to carry out technical studies, feedstock assessments, and knowledge exchange activities benchmarked against mature European biomethane markets.
Biomethane is increasingly recognised globally for its dual benefits: improving the management of agricultural and food-processing waste while producing renewable gas that can support energy resilience. The process also generates nutrient-rich digestate containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with potential to reduce the Philippines’ reliance on imported fertiliser inputs—a strategic advantage for a country with extensive agricultural activity.
Under the MoU, the parties will work together to evaluate feedstock availability, technology options, environmental impact, infrastructure requirements, and international models for sustainability certification and operational governance. This feasibility phase is intended to determine whether a scalable biomethane pathway is technically and economically viable for the Philippines.
Moreover, the MoU paves the way for selected qualified Philippine investors to participate in Ofi Invest Private Equity investments and to create a Local HoldCo to mobilize up to USD 850 million for renewable molecules and circular‑economy projects.
By combining PNOC’s national mandate with Ofi Invest Group’s European experience in renewable-gas platforms, the cooperation aims to accelerate the Philippines’ evaluation of biomethane solutions that could contribute to energy diversification, methane-emissions reduction, rural economic uplift, and long-term agricultural productivity.
“Today’s MOU signing underscores PNOC’s strategic direction of forging impactful partnerships that complement, rather than compete with, private-sector initiatives in sustainable energy development. Through the synergy of PNOC’s strategic role in national energy security and Ofi Invest’s pioneering work in sustainable investment, I firmly believe that we are laying a solid foundation for biomethane and circular-economy technologies to thrive in the Philippines—bringing long-term value to our communities, industries, and the environment,” said PNOC President and CEO Ma. Cristina Sheila C. Cabaraban.
