ASEAN OKs 20% energy intensity reduction by 2022

MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asian countries on Thursday agreed to work to achieve the region’s 20-percent energy intensity reduction target by 2022 through information sharing that would create efficient energy technologies.

The consensus was reached at the end of the 35th ASEAN Ministers Energy Meeting and Associated Meetings in Manila.

“The Energy ministers emphasized the need to foster innovative solutions and encourage countries to continue information sharing, best practices, capacity building, better business models and other alternative and emerging efficient energy technologies,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

According to Cusi, ASEAN’s 20-percent energy intensity reduction target is based on 2005 levels.

Currently, the ASEAN is at 18.3 percent level, he added.

Cusi also said ASEAN member states agreed to boost efforts to attain the bloc’s aspirational target of 23-percent renewable energy share in the region-wide energy mix by 2025.

"We have a long way to go, so we have devised a Renewable Energy Outlook as guide to narrow the gap on the RE initiatives in the region,” Cusi said.

This week’s ASEAN energy ministers meeting aimed to accelerate the integration of the region’s energy development strategies to assure that energy policies are aligned with the needs of economic growth and sustainability of the environment.

Regional and global executives and professionals also took part in the meetings to connect with their peers for networking opportunities in research, technology and business for adequate energy supply, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technology.