Thứ năm, 08:52, 29/7/2010
Joint media statement of the 28th Asean ministers on energy meeting (AMEM): "Energy and climate change"
(Moit-28/7/2010) The 28th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) was held in Da Lat, Viet Nam on 22 July 2010. H.E. Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam, chaired the Meeting. H.E. Pehin Dato Mohammad Yasmin Umar,Energy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam was the vice-chairperson.
OPENING CEREMONY
The 28th AMEM was officiated by H.E. Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of Viet Nam. In his Opening Remarks, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomed all to Da Lat, Viet Nam, and highlighted that “during the past years, ASEAN Members have shown a strong sense of unity and been working closely together for the implementation of new initiatives and cooperation programs in different fields and for realising the ASEAN Charter and building the ASEAN Community”. With that, the Prime Minister indicated that energy cooperation is not outside the regional trend and spirit. The Prime Minister commended the AMEM for setting “Energy and Climate Change” as the theme for the 28th AMEM, which clearly demonstrates ASEAN cooperation priorities and commitment to action for sustainable development and in addressing global and regional pressing challenges. He urged the ASEAN energy cooperation sector to put more efforts in the implementation of the existing initiatives to support greener economic activities to maintain sustainable development in the region, such as flagship projects on electricity, gas and oil pipelines, energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean development mechanism. The Prime Minister called for a stronger engagement with private sector, dialogue partners and international community to develop low carbon economies. He wished the ASEAN Energy Ministers and Heads of Delegation fruitful discussions and looked forward initiatives and measures to realise the energy priority objectives in 2010.
SHIFTING TOWARDS A GREENER ASEAN ENERGY SECTOR
The Ministers noted the Leaders’ vision for an ASEAN Community resilient to climate change as set out in the 2009 ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Joint Response to Climate Change. In this respect, the Ministers re-affirmed their commitment towards strengthening efforts to address climate change and enhancing ASEAN energy cooperation towards low-carbon and green economy.
The Ministers re-affirmed their commitment to energy cooperation in the direction of regional integration and building of the ASEAN Community, and stressed the need for coordinated efforts in the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2010–2015. In this regard, the Ministers welcomed the achievements made so far in the implementation of the key projects/initiatives of the APAEC 2010-2015, notably on:
Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C): A series of capacity building activities under the Promotion on Energy Efficiency and Conservation (PROMEEC) have been conducted; the work plan and training curriculum for the ASEAN Energy Manager Accreditation Scheme (AEMAS) have been designed; and various measures to achieve the aspirational goal of reducing regional energy intensity of at least 8% by 2015 (based on 2005 level) have been agreed to, including the promotion of EE&C through institutional and human capacity building with emphasis on energy intensity assessment guidelines, capacity building for EE&C policy, energy audit, standards and labeling, and the possible harmonisation of energy testing procedures and increasing private sector involvement in the ASEAN region. The Ministers agreed to undertake an assessment and review of ASEAN EE&C target and tasked the senior officials to develop a systematic plan of action and monitoring mechanism to achieve the target;
· Coal and Clean Coal Technology: The agreement to intensify cooperative partnership in the promotion and utilisation of coal and cleaner coal technology while addressing environmental issues and facilitating intra-ASEAN coal related issues, such as enhancing the public image of clean coal and exploring an ASEAN agreement on coal supply and trading for regional energy security;
· Renewable Energy: The continued regional cooperation on the development of renewable energy to achieve the collective target of 15% for regional renewable energy in the total power installed capacity by 2015, including hydropower and bio-fuels, through the centers of research and development on renewable energy in the region. The Ministers welcomed the suggestion to further cooperate under the framework of the Technology Roadmap of the UNEP and IEA;
· Nuclear Energy: The efforts to strengthen gradually, on a voluntary and non-binding basis, regional capacity building in civilian nuclear energy power generation for regulators, operators and relevant educational institutions through, among others, exchange of information, and assistance on sustainable civilian nuclear power programmes, in accordance with the respective relevant international and regional agreements and standards. In this regard, the Ministers endorsed the Terms of Reference of the Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub Sector Network (NEC-SSN) which will be the body to assist SOME/AMEM in the implementation of activities in civilian nuclear energy cooperation;
· ASEAN Power Grid: The completion of Phase II of the ASEAN Interconnection Master Plan Study, optimisation of energy sources indigenous to the region, and recommended guidelines to speed up implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid, notably on the reliability of operation, safety standards and procedures in generation, transmission, and guidelines on a model framework for investment of the interconnection projects and for the cross-border sale and transmission of electricity, and
· Trans ASEAN Gas Pipeline: The ongoing extensive cooperation to facilitate the implementation and realisation of the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Project, including infrastructure for LNG, to ensure greater security of gas supply.
The Ministers agreed on the need to strengthen ASEAN institutional capacity and resource mobilisation for the effective implementation of the APAEC 2010-2015. In this regard, the Ministers welcomed and took note of the on-going efforts by the Senior Officials to optimise the ASEAN energy cooperation process. The Ministers urged the Senior Officials to finalise their work in this matter.
The Ministers noted the Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN Connectivity which highlights the significant role of energy security in the ASEAN Community building process, requiring enhanced infrastructure and regional regulatory framework. The Ministers tasked the senior officials to formulate work processes and policies to expedite in the drafting as well as implementation of the Master Plan for ASEAN Connectivity.
ENERGY COOPERATION WITH DIALOGUE PARTNERS AND PRIVATE SECTOR
The Ministers highlighted that the Dialogue Partners and international organisations could also play a significant role in the realisation of the APAEC 2010 – 2015, with their support and technical assistance to ASEAN towards the “low carbon – green growth” development model. In this regard, the Ministers agreed to foster closer cooperation with the Dialogue Partners and international organisations.
Deepening Energy Cooperation with China, Japan and Korea, and the East Asia Region
The Ministers noted the on-going activities and solid progress achieved under the AMEM+3/SOME+3 energy cooperation. The Ministers were pleased to note the remarkable progress and cooperation on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) as well as on civilian nuclear energy as part of the efforts to mitigate climate change and energy security issues. The Ministers agreed to strengthen the ASEAN+3 Energy Cooperation in the present five (5) areas of energy security, oil market, oil stockpiling, natural gas, and new and renewable energy (NRE) and energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C). The Ministers welcomed the discussions on new initiatives to widen cooperation on energy with the Plus Three Countries.
The Ministers were gratified to note the development and progress of the EAS Energy Cooperation since the establishment in 2007. To this end, the Ministers reiterated the importance of international cooperation under the EAS Energy Ministers and the Energy Cooperation Task Force (ECTF) process to ensure greater security and sustainability of energy for sustainable economic growth.
Expanding Energy Cooperation with Russia and USA
The Ministers welcomed opportunities to strengthen and/or discuss cooperation with other Dialogue Partners in energy cooperation, especially with Russia and the USA.
The Ministers noted the development of the ASEAN-Russia Energy Cooperation Work Programme (2010 – 2015). The Ministers emphasised the need to deepen understanding and cooperation, especially in capacity building programmes, development of alternative and renewable energy resources, energy infrastructure, peaceful use of nuclear energy, coal, oil and gas exploration. The Ministers looked forward to the first AMEM-Russia Meeting in 2011.
The Ministers were pleased with the positive outcomes and opportunities that arose from the ASEAN-US Clean Energy Trade, Technology and Investment Forum held on 19 – 21 April 2010 in Manila, the Philippines. The Ministers welcomed the proposal from the US to advance cooperation on clean energy and to explore more activities with ASEAN on Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EES&L) and other cooperative initiatives of mutual benefit. The Ministers were briefed on the draft 2011-2016 Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership which also includes energy cooperation elements. The Ministers looked forward to convene the first AMEM-USA Meeting to strategise and provide direction for the energy cooperation programme.
Intensifying Dialogues with Private Sector
The Ministers agreed that an effective public-private partnership would be mutually reinforcing. Towards this end, the Ministers will foster a more active and efficient participation of the private sector in the policy and regulatory discussions, and encouraged their participation and support in realisation of the APAEC (2010 – 2015) and other energy projects.
ASEAN ENERGY AWARDS 2010
The Ministers congratulated the winners and runners-ups from the 38 national nominees for the ASEAN Energy Awards 2010 under the Best Practices Competition for Energy Management in Buildings and Industries, Energy Efficient Buildings, as well as Renewable Energy Projects.
NEXT MEETING
The Ministers agreed to convene the 29th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and its Related Meetings with Dialogue Partners in Brunei Darussalam in 2011.
The Ministers expressed appreciation to the Government and the people of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the warm hospitality accorded to them and for the excellent arrangements made for the 28th AMEM and its Related Meetings with Dialogue Partners.
