ASEAN-Japan Alliance Key in Transition to Clean Energy
Key Ideas
- ASEAN Secretary-General emphasized the need for ASEAN-Japan collaboration in clean energy transition beyond renewables to include technologies like carbon capture, ammonia, and hydrogen.
- The meeting between ASEAN and Japanese officials discussed the challenges of balancing net-zero emissions with energy security and rising demand in Southeast Asia and Japan.
- Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to joint goals focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, and energy transition as outlined in the 2023 Commemorative Summit in Tokyo.
- Japan's leadership in clean technology, as seen through the AZEC initiative, is recognized as crucial in advancing regional decarbonisation efforts, with most ASEAN states actively participating in AZEC.
In a recent meeting held in Jakarta, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn stressed the significance of the ASEAN-Japan partnership in driving the transition towards clean energy. The discussion went beyond renewable energy, highlighting the importance of embracing decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture, ammonia, and hydrogen. Dr Kao acknowledged the complexities faced by Southeast Asian nations and Japan in achieving net-zero emission targets while ensuring energy security and meeting growing energy demands. The meeting brought together top Japanese officials, including Japan's Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko and Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Special Adviser Yamada Takio. Dr Kao lauded Japan's leadership in clean technology and the initiation of the AZEC program as pivotal in furthering decarbonisation efforts in the region, with the majority of ASEAN member states actively engaged in AZEC. Both ASEAN and Japan recommitted to their shared objectives outlined in the 2023 Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, emphasizing deeper collaboration on issues like climate change, environmental sustainability, and energy transition. Dr Kao also highlighted Japan's longstanding partnership with ASEAN, citing contributions to various agreements and initiatives aimed at fostering economic cooperation, investment, and human capital development. The partnership between ASEAN and Japan is viewed as critical in navigating the complex challenges posed by the transition to cleaner energy sources and achieving sustainable development goals.