Introduction
1. The 8th ASEAN+3 (China, Japan and Korea) Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM+3) was held in Brunei Darussalam on 20 September 2011. The Meeting was chaired by Hon. Pehin Dato (Dr) Mohammad Yasmin Umar, Minister of Energy, at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, and co-chaired by Mr. Wu Gui Hui, Chief Engineer and Director General of International Cooperation, National Energy Administration of China; H.E Keiro Kitagami, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; and H.E. Jaedo Moon, Deputy Minister of Knowledge Economy of the Republic of Korea. The Meeting was participated by the Ministers of Energy of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam .
2. Amidst global developments, such as, the volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the impact of nuclear accidents in Japan on energy security, the Ministers recognised that the current energy landscape remains highly uncertain. This is notwithstanding that energy demand will continue to rise, increasing the need to balance energy security with economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. In this regard, the Ministers strengthened their commitment to the ASEAN+3 energy cooperation to secure a sustainable energy future for the region.
3. Recognising the need for improved linkages in energy cooperation, the Ministers agreed that enhancing intra-ASEAN connectivity will bring the region closer to its goal of achieving greater energy security. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to the progress made by the Senior Officials Meeting on Energy +3 (SOME+3) Energy Cooperation that are key to diversification of energy sources, capacity building, information sharing and exchange, and promotion of sustainable development and low carbon growth economy.
Energy Security
4. On energy security, the Ministers acknowledged the importance of stepping up cooperation efforts to study possible energy options for the region which includes, among others, civilian nuclear energy, oil stockpiling, and coal and clean coal technologies. In this regard, the Ministers expressed their appreciation to Japan for leading the Energy Security Forum in ASEAN+3 energy cooperation. The Ministers also welcomed Republic of Korea’s continued contribution to capacity building in civilian nuclear energy, and Japan’s establishment of the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Security.
5. On oil stockpiling, the Ministers urged the Meeting to pursue the following activities: (i) continued studies and development of the Oil Stockpiling Road Map (OSRM) in accordance with the four (4) principles and methodology; (ii) collecting annual information on the progress of each countries’ oil stockpiling activities; and (iii) organise workshops to promote the implementation of each ASEAN country’s OSRM, with the support and assistance of the +3 countries. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) for organising workshops and to the +3 countries, especially Japan and JOGMEC for sharing their knowledge on oil stockpiling to enhance energy security and preparedness for the region.
6. Recognising that coal is a major fuel source for the region, while noting its environmental concerns, the Ministers welcomed further efforts to develop cooperation programmes on clean coal technologies (CCTs) including upgrading of low rank coal technologies and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The Ministers supported the initiative to engage the +3 countries in future meetings of the ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC) to foster closer cooperation and to promote positive collaboration on clean coal utilisation.
7. To enhance greater information sharing amongst the +3 countries, the Ministers welcomed continued collaboration with the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) in the conduct of capacity building programmes and development of regional energy outlooks to support policy research and analysis.
Oil Market and Natural Gas
8. Noting that volatile oil prices will continue to impact the region, the Ministers encouraged the ASEAN+3 countries to further share and exchange information on countermeasures in response to the volatile oil prices in the world market. They also encouraged the countries to share their experiences and lessons learnt in seeking creative solutions to address price volatilities and uncertainties in oil supply due to perceived risks of geopolitics and so on.
9. The Ministers shared the view that natural gas will play an increasingly prominent role in the global and regional fuel mix. In this regard, they agreed to step up cooperation in natural gas, including looking at the growing importance of LNG and unconventional gas. The Ministers also expressed their appreciation to China for leading the Oil Market and Natural Gas Forum.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and Conservation
10. The Ministers noted the good progress of ASEAN’s aspirational goals of reducing regional energy intensity by 8% and achieving the 15% target for regional renewable energy in total power installed capacity by 2015. The Ministers lauded the accomplishments of the CDM programme and expressed their appreciation to the Republic of Korea for continuation of the ASEAN+3 CDM Programme, and for leading the New & Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency & Conservation Forum.
11. The Ministers agreed to further develop initiatives to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and conservation, including greater engagement with the private sector and relevant institutions.
12. Recognising that new and innovative solutions are part of the equation in meeting future energy needs, the Ministers highlighted that it is timely to look at initiatives relating to smart grid technologies, mass transportation and other demand side energy management directing towards reducing energy intensity in transportation sector.
Next Meeting
13. The Ministers agreed to meet again in Cambodia in 2012 for the 9th ASEAN+3 Ministers on Energy Meeting.
14. The Ministers expressed their appreciation to the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam for the warm hospitality accorded and the excellent arrangements made for the 8th ASEAN+3 Ministers on Energy Meeting.
LIST OF MINISTERS
- Hon. Pehin Dato (Dr) Mohammad Yasmin Umar, Minister of Energy, at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam;
- H.E. Dr Ith Praing, Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy of Cambodia;
- Mr. Wu Gui Hui, Chief Engineer and Director General of International Cooperation, National Energy Administration of China
- H.E. Darwin Zahedy Saleh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia;
- H.E Keiro Kitagami, Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan;
- H.E. Soulivong Daravong, Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR;
- Hon. Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water of Malaysia;
- H.E. Than Htay, Union Minister for Energy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar;
- H.E. Jose Rene D. Almendras, Secretary, Department of Energy, the Republic of the Philippines;
- H.E. Jaedo Moon, Deputy Minister of Knowledge Economy of the Republic of Korea;
- H.E. S. Iswaran, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry of Singapore;
- H.E. Pichai Naripthaphan, Minister of Energy of Thailand;
- H.E. Le Duong Quang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam; and
- H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
