The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), represented by Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE and Phat Pumchawsaun, Program Manager of USAID SPP at ACE, participated in the 3^rd Asian and the Pacific Energy Forum (APEF3), that was held by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on 19-20 October 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. This event featured high-level panels discussion on various agenda topics, such as building a secure, sustainable, and interconnected energy future for Asia and the Pacific Policy perspectives on building a secure, sustainable, and interconnected energy future for Asia and the Pacific.

The event opened with remarks from H.E. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of the Royal Thai Government, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, and H.E. Sinava Souphanouvong, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR and Vice-Chair of the 2^nd Asian and Pacific Energy Forum.

Dr Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, joined in during the discussion of policy perspectives on building a secure, sustainable, and interconnected energy future for Asia and the Pacific. Dr Nuki underscored regarding the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) target milestones of reaching a 23% and 35% share of renewable energy in total energy mix and in installed power capacity, respectively, by 2025.

“According to the latest Power Development Plan (PDP) of ASEAN Member States, ASEAN is poised to reach a commendable 39% RE share in our power installed capacity by 2025, which will surpass our APAEC aspirational target. Looking ahead to 2040, updated findings from the ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study (AIMS) show a promising 52% share of renewable energy in the power mix. Consequently, those findings conclude that the current commitment of AMS brings the region on track towards achieving its target by 2025 and even aiming for a higher target towards the 2040 timeframe and fosters a greater collaboration to progress the establishment of the ASEAN Power Grid,” Dr Nuki said.

Dr Nuki also elaborated regarding the challenges and opportunities in financing clean energy transitions in Asia and the Pacific, such as the high cost of the infrastructure for the transition into a higher share of renewable energy. He affirmed, “Efforts should also focus on energy efficiency, with initiatives like the ACE collaboration with DPs, financial institutions, and private sectors. To achieve a more secure and sustainable energy future, ASEAN must increase investments in clean energy technologies like bioenergy, electric vehicles, hydrogen-based fuels, and carbon capture and storage. This transition requires collaboration and innovation to create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

These messages emphasise ACE’s commitment to contribute to the efforts of working towards a sustainable and interconnected energy future.