ASEAN energy ministers call for regional power integration
The 32nd ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting (AMEM) concluded on Wednesday in Lao capital Vientiane with ministers agreeing on the need to achieve inter- connected regional power systems.
In a joint ministerial statement, delegates applauded the initiative of a pilot project to explore cross-border power trade from Laos to Singapore.
Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are involved in the project's implementation.
The energy ministers expressed their wish that the pilot project would act as a path finding project towards further multilateral electricity trade.
The 32nd AMEM joint statement also commended the heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) for its ongoing efforts to establish the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
The ministers welcomed the initiative to conduct sub-regional multilateral electricity trading by 2018.
In the 11th ASEAN+3 Ministers on Energy Meeting, delegates concluded that improving linkages in energy connection would bring the region closer to its goal of achieving greater energy security.
ASEAN+3 ministers emphasized that capacity building, and information sharing and exchange are key to the promotion of sustainably developed low-carbon growth economies.
In his keynote address, Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong highlighted the importance of energy cooperation and energy integration in ASEAN.
The PM also emphasised the potential of hydropower as a clean, non-polluting, renewable energy source.
Thongsing underscored the need for a coordinated and concerted effort to reduce the impact of climate change caused by greenhouse gasses while ensuring the sustainability of economic growth in the region.
The ASEAN energy ministers reiterated the need for a concerted effort to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
The sentiment was shared by ASEAN+3 energy ministers who acknowledged the value of hydropower as a secure and cost- effective solution.
In the 8th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting, ministers agreed on the need to strengthen energy security in light of recent developments in the global energy market.
The ministers urged EAS countries to take actions towards improving energy efficiency, utilizing biofuels, developing open and transparent markets and infrastructure, and promoting alternative and renewable energy.
EAS energy ministers noted that by 2035, the energy consumption of EAS countries would account for approximately 65 percent of global demand.
They reaffirmed the need to increase cooperation and acknowledged the progress made by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Work Stream.
ASEAN+3 energy ministers urged Japan to continue sharing its accumulated knowledge and strategic energy plan including the safe and secure use of nuclear energy and related environmental impacts.
The ministers agreed to strengthen their commitment towards ASEAN+3 energy cooperation in light of energy security concerns due to a volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the region's own rising energy demand.
Delegates from ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Secretariat expressed their appreciation to the government and people of Laos for their warm hospitality.
The ministers agreed to convene the 33rd AMEM and associated meetings in Malaysia in 2015.
Source: Xinhua
