ASEAN sets ambitious green energy goals

Hoang Nam

DA LAT — ASEAN Energy Ministers yesterday agreed on an 8 per cent reduction in regional Energy Intensity by 2015, based on 2005 levels.

Energy intensity measures the energy efficiency of national economies based on units of energy consumed per unit of GDP (gross domestic product).

In a Joint Ministerial Statement issued at the conclusion of the five-day ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Da Lat City, they also agreed to increase the use of renewable energy by up to 15 per cent of total consumption over the next five years.

The ministers said periodic assessments and review of regional energy efficiency as well as conservation work will be undertaken, while senior officials will be tasked with developing a systematic plan of action and effective monitoring mechanism to achieve set targets.

They pledged to strengthen efforts to address climate change challenges and enhance regional energy co-operation towards achieving a low-carbon economy.

Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Industry and Trade, told the press after the closing of the 28th AMEM and the Associated Meeting with Dialogue Partners that the regional bloc will promote energy co-operation towards regional integration and building up a regional community.

They will also focus on co-coordinating efforts in implementing the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Co-operation (APAEC) 2010-15, he said

Hoang said that 28th AMEM had been highly successful, attracting international attention with the events organised over the last five days.

The ministers stressed the importance of first energy discussions held between Russia, the U.S and ASEAN.

"The meetings focused on how to ensure energy supply but protect the environment by looking for new and renewable energy sources, especially for hydropower and bio-fuels," he said.

Sundram Pushpanathan, ASEAN Deputy General Secretary, said the meeting would surely contribute to making ASEAN energy greener.

He pointed out that in the years 2020-30, energy consumption in ASEAN would double, while the region was one of the areas most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Interconnection

The ministers endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Nuclear Energy Co-operation Sub Sector Network, which will be the body to assist SOME (Senior Officials of Energy Meeting) /AMEM in carrying out nuclear co-operation activities.

The meeting noted that the second phase of ASEAN Interconnection Master Plan had been completed.

It recommended guidelines to speed up implementation of the ASEAN power grid, especially on the reliability of operations, safety standards and procedures for generation, transmission.

The meeting called for a model framework for investment in interconnection projects and for cross-border sale and electricity transmission.

While discussing the Trans-ASEAN gas pipeline, delegates emphasised the extensive co-operation that would be needed to implement and maintain it.

ASEAN plus

The vital role of increasing dialogue with partners and the private sector was also recognized at the meeting.

"The Dialogue Partners and international organisations will play a significant role in the realisation of APAEC 2010-15 with their support and technical assistance to ASEAN towards the low-carbon-green growth development model," Minister Hoang said.

Energy co-operation with East Asian nations should be strengthened in all areas including energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, the ministers agreed. Co-operation with Russia and the U.S in the energy sector is an opportunity for ASEAN to expand strategic ties with dialogue partners, they said.

Energy awards

The ministers congratulated the winners of the ASEAN Energy Awards 2010 for displaying sound energy management in buildings and industries, constructing energy efficient buildings and implementing renewable projects.

Viet Nam won four prizes. The Ana Mandara Resort Da Lat received the first prize for tropical buildings, while a building constructed by the Tien Dat Tourism Company won the second prize.

The Ocean Park building won a prize for effectively managing energy while the Landmark building won the third prize for an energy-efficient renovated building.

The next 29th AMEM and meetings with dialogue partners will be held in Brunei Darussalam in 2011. — VNS