Updated
October 2, 2017, 7:21 AM By Myrna M. Velasco
Underpinned by series
of meetings and associated events during the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy
Meeting (AMEM), the 10-member states of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) and dialogue-partners have charted new as well as ‘upcycled’
promises and directions’ that could virtuously propel the region to economic
progress.
Beyond the 10
ASEAN-member states (AMS), the other dialogue-partners that made pitch into the
region’s energy pathway included China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India,
New Zealand, Russian Federation and the United States.
Philippine Energy
Secretary-host Alfonso G. Cusi, at the concluding events, had reiterated that
the core of collaborations will deal with: regional energy policy and planning;
renewable energy; Trans-ASEAN gas pipeline, clean coal technology, energy
efficiency and conservation, ASEAN power grid; and primarily the need to corner
new investments.
On the last item
relating to enticing investments though, the ‘torrents’ of talks from event’s
participants had been that: this year’s event had not fared well as many of the
deep-pocketed investors were disappointed for not being afforded their high
expectations to at least raise their issues and concerns relating to policies
and regulatory frameworks in the scheduled dialogue between the Ministers and
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of key companies – primarily because of the
failing attendance of the ASEAN energy ministers.
On regional energy
policy and planning, it was still the repetitive call for “sustained cooperation”
that had been cast, with ASEAN stating that this will “ensure security of
energy supply and promote a low-carbon energy sector.”
For the RE sector,
cooperation pathway is with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA),
although Cusi has admitted that “we have a long way to go,” hence, the need to
devise “a Renewable Energy Outlook as guide to narrow the gap on the RE
initiatives in the region.”
Tidying up the image of
‘coal technology’ had also been part of the big discussion, and ASEAN strategy
on this would be anchored on the deployment of the more advanced clean coal
technologies.
The ASEAN states said
they give importance to “promoting highly efficient and clean coal technologies
in the regional drive to lower carbon emissions and a more sustainable future
for the region and the world.” Coal, coincidentally, is still the biggest fuel
source for power generation in the region.
The ASEAN Power Grid
and Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline projects are among the long-planned endeavors for
the region, but have not advanced that much even with the stretch of decades
that already passed.
The initial phase of
the regional grid link-up was just firmed up in this year’s meeting for the
interconnections of Lao PDR-Thailand and Malaysia. Energy efficiency and conservation
as well as civilian nuclear energy also took the core of discussions, albeit
many of the ASEAN countries are still on their learning curve on these
initiatives.
The goal of the region
is to reduce energy intensity by 20-percent to year 2020, from currently at
18.3-percent.
For nuclear energy, the
ASEAN countries have invited experts in this field on experiences-sharing
discussions, primarily those from Canada, China, Japan, Russia and the United
States.
The AMS agreed to
target an increase in the average GDP growth to 6% across the region, and
recognized the vital role of the private sector and their active participation
in the ASEAN region. The AMEM35 and the ASEAN Energy Business Forum had a joint
opening ceremony to underscore the fact that the ASEAN is a sweet spot for
business growth and development.
Finally, Cusi said:
“The Philippines takes pride in hosting the AMEM35 as this showcases not only
our capability to manage an international energy event, but the beauty and
culture of the country as well the talents and hospitality of Filipinos.”
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