ASEAN states pledge intensified co-operation in energy security

ASEAN’s energy ministers have vowed to strengthen collaboration in energy security and sustainability, and expand co-operation with ASEAN partners and international organisations.

The commitment was made at the 34th ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting (AMEM) which wrapped up in Myanmar on September 22.

During the four-day meeting themed “Toward a Greener Community with Cleaner Energy”, the ministers discussed strategies to increase the efficiency of energy use and raise public awareness of clean energies in accordance with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Co-operation 2016-2020.

The meeting agreed on targets to increase the use of renewable energy to 23 percent by 2025 in ASEAN’s total energy use and reduce energy intensity by 20 percent in 2020 based on 2005 levels.

Myanmar’s Energy and Electricity Deputy Minister Tun Naing also agreed to enhance connectivity for energy security and accessibility through the construction of additional gas pipelines, promote technologies for clean coal, and implement civilian nuclear energy in 2016-2017.

The 35th AMEM will be held in the Philippines in 2017.