The ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2023, held in conjunction with the 41st ASEAN Energy Ministers' Meeting (AMEM-41) under the theme "Accelerating Energy Connectivity to Achieve Sustainable Growth of ASEAN," has successfully concluded with remarkable achievements.
Organized by the ASEAN Energy Centre (ACE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) of the Republic of Indonesia, the event successfully brought together energy ministers from ASEAN and Timor-Leste, energy ministers from ASEAN Dialogue Partner Countries, energy industry leaders, as well as experts and academics from across the ASEAN region and beyond.
Held in Nusa Dua, Bali, from 24-26 August, the main objective of the Forum was to foster discussion, cooperation and new ideas to find sustainable solutions in the energy sector. The Forum is expected to act as a driver of change in the energy sector.
AEBF 2023 with the theme "Accelerating Energy Connectivity to Achieve Sustainable Growth of ASEAN" is of great significance. The event is in line with Indonesia's aspiration as ASEAN Chair to place ASEAN at the center of regional and global economic progress, which in turn opens up opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, who is the Executive Director of ACE, said that measures to promote transformation in the energy sector are making significant progress. AEBF 2023 has the potential to be a very important solution and bridging element that plays a role in facilitating interactions between businesses and the energy industry with governments from ASEAN member states.
One of the sessions in organizing this forum is the panel session in AEBF provides a platform for knowledge sharing, dialogue and cooperation among industry leaders, government representatives, academic experts and professionals. Discussions covered topics such as energy transition, grid connectivity, clean energy efforts, critical minerals, natural gas use, low-carbon investments, the role of coal in the energy transition, and a host of other issues.
ACE also strengthened its commitment to promoting energy cooperation, sustainability and innovation in the ASEAN region. This was achieved through the signing of a number of substantive Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key regional and international partners.
These MoUs were officially signed at the 41st ASEAN Energy Ministers' Meeting (AMEM-41) in conjunction with AEBF 2023 on 25 August 2023, in the presence of ASEAN Ministers and Dialogue Partners. This action underscores the importance of this cooperation in shaping the energy landscape in the region.
ACE's partners are diverse and bring different expertise and resources to strengthen the energy sector in the region. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is aligned with the ASEAN Action Plan for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025 and includes activities such as connecting cross-border power grids between Indonesia and Malaysia, accelerating renewable energy integration through the ASEAN Power Grid, enhancing clean energy cooperation with China, promoting energy efficiency financing, and building strategic relationships with agencies such as UNOPS, GIZ, KDB, EFC, JICA, ADB, JETRO, as well as academic institutions. These collaborations reflect ACE's leading role in promoting sustainable energy development and cooperation in the region.
To conclude the AEBF, the event also celebrated achievements in the energy sector through the ASEAN Energy Awards. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, including energy efficiency and conservation efforts in the building and industrial sectors, energy management, use of renewable energy sources, and use of clean coal technologies. This recognition highlights the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in promoting sustainable energy practices in the ASEAN region.
As part of the AEBF 2023, the ASEAN Green Transport Rally was also successfully held in Nusa Dua, Bali. The rally involved green vehicles such as biodiesel, electric vehicles (EVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that traveled from Jakarta to Surabaya, ending in Bali on August 24, 2023.
The AEBF 2023 also reaffirms ASEAN's commitment to sustainable technologies and fuels. ASEAN Energy Ministers witnessed the end of the rally, which is also a testament to the region's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
