The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) recently participated in the 61st Meeting of the APEC Expert Group on Energy Efficiency & Conservation and the 59th Meeting of the APEC Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technology, held from 16 to 19 October 2023, in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Represented by Christopher G. Zamora, Senior Manager of the APAEC Secretariat at ACE, and Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Manager of the Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) Department at ACE, the Centre showcased its dedication to advancing energy efficiency & conservation, and renewable energy in the ASEAN region.  

Christopher G. Zamora, during the event, presented an insightful overview of stakeholders’ coordination under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025. The presentation highlighted ACE’s role in supporting the energy cooperation goals of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). He emphasised the significance of APAEC Phase II as a series of guiding policy documents designed to advance regional integration, connectivity, and energy security. 

The direction and priorities of APAEC Phase II: 2021-2025 were discussed, including the focus on new and emerging technologies, digitalisation in the energy sector, energy investment and financing projects, and private sector engagement through business forum activities. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on further cooperation in energy efficiency and conservation to achieve the target of a 32% reduction in energy intensity by 2025. Addressing carbon neutrality issues, decarbonisation of energy systems, improving the ASEAN Energy Database Management and System, and accelerating renewable energy deployment through renewable energy (RE) grid integration and smart grid activities were also highlighted. The presentation recognised the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and its impact on energy resilience. 

Christopher also shares the status of APAEC’s energy efficiency and renewable energy targets, which was also addressed during the event. It was noted that while significant progress has been made, there are challenges ahead, with a gap remaining in achieving the 2025 energy intensity reduction target. The share of renewable energy in the total primary energy supply has increased, reaching 14.4% in 2021, but the share in the total power installed capacity has seen a slight decrease. 

Following up on that, Dr Zulfikar Yurnaidi presented on the ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO), emphasising how AEO complements APAEC and supports the creation of pathways for achieving regional energy targets. The AEO, guided by Programme Area No. 6: Regional Energy Policy and Planning, specifically Action Plan 1.2, aims to publish regular regional energy outlooks and strategic reports on thematic issues. The 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8) is set to be launched at the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in September 2024 in Lao PDR. 

The participation of ACE in the APEC Expert Group Meetings reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy in the ASEAN region.