ASEAN EXPERTS PUSH ENERGY SECURITY AGENDA AHEAD OF VIENTIANE SUMMIT

By P. Vijian

PHNOM PENH, SEPT 23 (Bernama) -- Regional energy experts attending the 7th East Asia Energy Forum reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to addressing global energy challenges with sustainable and collaborative solutions. 

Experts are mapping out strategies to address rising energy demand that could outstrip the production level as Southeast Asian countries focus on modernising their economies and rapid urbanisation sweeping across the region. 

The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), teamed up with Laos, the current  ASEAN chair, to host the energy forum on Monday in Vientiane, the Jakarta-based think tank said in a press statement today. 

Laos Energy and Mines Minister opened the forum with a strong message that collaboration is key to bolstering the nation’s energy security. 

“In the face of global challenges in addressing climate change while maintaining economic growth, collaboration on all levels is essential for Lao PDR and ASEAN to achieve energy security and a more sustainable energy future,” Phoxay Sayasone said.

This year’s forum themed “Energy Policy Directions for Inclusive and Sustainable Development for ASEAN” focuses on energy security policies that support sustainable development.

ERIA president Tetsuya Watanabe said the forum is a crucial platform for regional experts to share solutions to global energy challenges. 

“This forum is an opportunity for Lao PDR and ASEAN countries to collaborate and develop policies that promote energy security and energy sustainability in the region,” he said.

The forum addressed several key issues, such as energy supply security, energy access, and renewable energy development. Discussions mainly focused on how ASEAN countries can enhance energy resilience by diversifying energy sources and strengthening existing infrastructure, which is vital to achieving energy security, said the statement. 

ERIA senior energy economist Dr Han Phoumin said there is an urgent need for a rapid transition to clean technologies and renewable energy.

“With rising energy costs, growing energy demand and the impacts of climate change, it’s crucial for countries in the region to adopt clean technologies, leveraging renewable energy and securing investment and financing for these technologies.

“Implementing environmentally-friendly technologies, developing an integrated regional energy market and implementing sustainable financing will be key to achieving energy security and carbon neutrality,” said Phoumin.

Laos will be hosting the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits in Vientiane from Oct 8 to 11.

-- BERNAMA