ACE and ERIA successfully supported MEMR of Indonesia in Organising the Chairmanship Side Event, held on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 at Jakarta, Indonesia. Under the theme “Electric Vehicle (EV) Conversion and Development of Bioenergy Market Potential in ASEAN,” this significant event featured keynote speeches, an exposition booth visit, scene-setting presentations, and plenary discussions aimed at strengthening regional trade and energy security cooperation by exploring electric vehicle and bioenergy market potential in the ASEAN region.

The side event was divided into two sessions. The first session, titled “Conversion of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs): Focus on Motorcycles”, conferred on the feasibility of ICE motorcycles conversion to electric motorcycles option to accelerate mobility electrification in ASEAN Member States based on cost of ownership of said vehicle, impacts of the conversion strategy to the power system, and the business model facilitating the conversion process. This session was opened with remarks from Mr Koji Hachiyama, ERIA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). Notably present among the key speakers was HE Arifin Tasrif, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia and Dr Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), who emphasised on APAEC Phase II plan of integrating more renewable energy sources into the energy mix particularly in the transportation sector through electric vehicle and bioenergy adoption, which is a crucial strategy to strengthen energy security in ASEAN further. Dr Nuki also underscored the efforts that AMS have made in advancing the development of bioenergy and electric vehicle conversion in their respective states, which includes the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Developing Regional Electric Vehicle Ecosystems.

The event then proceeded with a visit to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) exposition booth to see the showcases of ICE motorcycle conversion to electric motorcycles and B35 and other biofuels. Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, MPP Manager at ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), also presented in the scene-setting session under the theme “On the Sustainable EV Use in Southeast Asian Countries”. The plenary discussion sessions were divided into two side events. The first session, themed “The Economy of (Converted) Electric Motorcycles and the Impacts on Energy System, Emissions, and Air Pollution”, was moderated by Ms. Dynta Trishana Munardy, Technical Officer of ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). The second session was themed “Towards Suitable Business Model for (converted) Electric Motorcycles in Southeast Asian Countries.” This first side event session was closed by remarks from Dr Gigih Udi Atmo, Director of Energy Conservation, MEMR Indonesia.

The second session, under the theme “Development of Bioenergy Market Potential in ASEAN”, focused on analysing bioenergy market potential, which consists of improving the enabling environment and developing next-generation & energy-agricultural integration for the security of both sectors. This session was opened with remarks from Ir. Yudo Dwinanda Priaadi, the Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. Notably present among the key speakers was Mr. Beni Suryadi, PFS Manager of ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE).

The event then proceeded with a plenary discussion consisting of two sessions. The first session, themed “On the Bioenergy Development Status, Potential, Possible Regional Shortage, and Future Bioenergy Supply & Demand in ASEAN Countries”, was moderated by Ms Monika Merdekawati, Research Analyst of ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). The second session was themed “On the Possibility of Developing a Sustainable Bioenergy Market in ASEAN.” This second side event session and the whole ASEAN Chairmanship Side Event was concluded with remarks from Ir. Edi Wibowo, MT, the Director of Bioenergy at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) and Mr Toru Furuichi, Director General for Research and Policy Design Administration.