ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The climate crisis has become a global challenge that requires a real response from all countries to overcome it. In line with this, collaboration between countries needs to be prioritized in finding solutions.
Therefore, the Asia Zero Emission Center, which is the result of a joint initiative from the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) partner countries, was inaugurated on the sidelines of the 2nd AZEC Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The establishment of the Asia Zero Emission Center stems from the spirit of collaboration between all parties and is also a follow-up to the AZEC Leaders Joint Statement agreed in December 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.
”The establishment of the Asia Zero Emission Center will mark a significant milestone as we collectively strive to achieve a more sustainable future. We realize that climate change is an urgent reality, which demands quick and decisive action from all countries,” said the Coordinating Minister for the Indonesian Economy, Airlangga Hartarto.
This institution will later act as a place to exchange information, review policies and projects, and assist AZEC countries in developing visions, road maps and energy transition policies. By combining the roles of Government, industry leaders and experts, this institution will become a center for knowledge and innovation for various stakeholders.
This institution will also play an important role in the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices in various economic sectors. Furthermore, by focusing on sustainable development and the zero-emission agenda, it is hoped that the study results from this institution can play a role in accelerating cooperation and innovation in the Asian Region.
AZEC Platform
The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) was born on the sidelines of the 2022 G20 Summit initiated by Indonesia and Japan.
“The creation of AZEC aims to achieve carbon neutrality through a practical energy transition tailored to each country’s unique circumstances. “We encourage cooperation based on the concept of ‘one goal, many paths’ by recognizing the diverse industrial structures, social contexts, geographies and stages of development among partner countries,” explained Airlangga.
The ASEAN region itself is projected to remain an engine of global economic growth with energy needs that continue to grow, where in 2019 final energy demand in ASEAN will reach 448 million tons and 47% of this energy supply will come from petroleum. Meanwhile, in 2050 under a business-as-usual scenario, the contribution of petroleum is estimated to reach around 32% of the total primary energy supply, followed by coal at 29%.
However, this can be anticipated by implementing low-carbon energy transition projects which are projected to drastically reduce the use of fossil-based fuels by up to 21.6% in final energy consumption in 2050.
“To help make this happen, AZEC as a collaborative platform plays a significant role in accelerating the energy transition process in Indonesia while encouraging economic growth and realizing energy security, by facilitating private investment in low-carbon energy transition projects,” said Airlangga.
Airlangga presented three proposed initiatives to achieve zero carbon emissions in the future.
First, develop an integrated clean energy system by improving regional electricity grid connectivity to increase flexibility and resilience.
Second, transforming the transportation sector with the aim of revolutionizing mobility through the development of next-generation vehicles and sustainable fuels.
Third, promote energy efficiency in all sectors by encouraging significant reductions in energy consumption by focusing on industrial processes, building systems and consumer products.
To realize decarbonization goals in AZEC partner countries, it is also necessary to develop a collaborative financial platform that can overcome the unique challenges in each country in financing the energy transition in each. This platform will play a role in mobilizing domestic capital, attracting international investment, and creating innovative financial instruments tailored to regional needs.
In addition, it is necessary to build effective market-based mechanisms, such as carbon pricing and emissions trading systems, which can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy while maintaining regional competitiveness.
“The road ahead is full of challenges, but full of opportunities. Asia’s transition towards a diversified and sustainable energy system is gaining momentum, driven by national targets and supportive policies. “To be successful, we need a coherent and firm plan for the timely implementation of decarbonization technologies, effective policies to open markets, as well as large investments in innovation and research and development,” stressed Airlangga.
Also present at this event were: Indonesian Minister of Investment, Rosan Roeslani, Deputy for International Economic Cooperation Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for the Indonesian Economy, Edi Prio Pambudi,Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Jepang Ken Saito, Senior Vice-Minister State Minister of Environment Jepang Tetsuya Yagi, Minister of Economy Malaysia Mohd. Rafizi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Singapura Tan See Leng, Secretary Department of Energy Filipina Raphael Lotilla, Minister of Mines and Energy Kamboja Keo Rottanak, Deputy Minister at The Prime Minister office Energy, Change and Energy Brunei Darussalam Haji Asmi, Permanent Secretary of Energy, Ministry of Energy Thailand Prasert Sinsukprasert, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy Australia Gita Kamath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy Policy and Planning Laos Souliya Sengdalavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change Vietnam Pham Van Tan, Executive Director ASEAN Center for Energy Nuki Agya Utama, President ERIA Tetsuya Watanabe, Director for Energy Markets and Security IEA Keisuke Sadamori. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel