Summary of the 9th APEC Energy Meeting

Thai delegates led by Minister of National Resources and Environment, Suwit Khunkitti, along with international counterparts from 20 countries attended the 9th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting in Fukui, Japan on 19 June 2010.

During the summit, a speech on the “Low Carbon Paths to Energy Security: Cooperative Energy Solutions for a Sustainable APEC” was delivered by Mr Suwit in a bid to clarify the country’s attempt to strengthen stability and security of energy supplies as well as to promote environmental conservation practice, particularly the reduction and offset of green house gas emission.

Topics on energy development and environmental preservation have been highlighted by the Thai government, with regards to the recent establishment of several projects including the Collaborative Assessment of Standards and Testing, promoting Carbon Capture Storage Technology, APEC Peer Review on Energy Efficiency as well as the Cooperative Energy Efficiency Design for Sustainability (CEEDS). According to the Minister, CEEDS targets on promoting technological use of environmental friendly and energy-efficient building materials. Thailand has confirmed its readiness to host the CEEDS Summit in the near future.

Moreover, a study of greenhouse gas emission-reduction by the use of nuclear energy as well as the development of Smart Grid System, APEC Technology Development Roadmap and the low carbon city models have also been highlighted by the Thai Government.

Following talks with the Deputy Secretary of Energy of the US, Daniel B. Poneman, Thailand and USA have agreed to extend cooperation on biofuel development, particularly on the “Celluosic 2nd Generation of Biofuel”, which has become widely popular in the US. The US’ study on certain topic concentrates on the development of biodiesel from non-edible plant sources. Thailand and USA have also agreed to join hands for the development of nuclear energy.

Speaking upon a meeting with the Secretary of Australia’s Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, Drew Clarke, Mr Suwit reassured the Australian Government that the recent crude oil and gas leak incident in Montara, Australia, would be solved urgently by the PTT Exploration and Production PCL. Mr Clarke reported that the investigation results by the Australian Government would be addressed within 6-8 weeks time. Mr Suwit pleaded for supports from the Australian Government in allowing Thai companies to continue investment in petroleum exploration in the country.

Meanwhile, Thailand wishes to extend cooperation on nuclear power with South Korea, particularly in measures for public understandings and acceptance. South Korea’s Knowledge Economy Minister, Choi Kyunghwan has accepted an invitation of the Thai government for a visit to the country. The application of alternative energy resources, which are plenty in Thailand, to serve South Korea’s renewable energy plan for transportation, would be considered by the South Korean Government.

Both countries have also agreed to hold a seminar called the “Green Field Investment” for South Korean business entrepreneurs to invest in clean energy in Thailand.

In addition, a talk with Kenji Kobayashi, President of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Center (APERC), resulted in further cooperation in various activities, such as APEC Peer Review on Energy Efficiency and APEC Low Carbon Model Town. Thailand has also agreed to host Cooperation Energy Efficiency Design for Sustainability, jointly with the APERC in the coming days.

Thai delegates also paid a visit to large-scale solar energy plants in Osaka as well as Japan’s electricity generation company, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc and its affiliate. The fieldtrip will help shaping up suitable strategies in Thailand’s Energy Policy and Development Plan, to work in accordance with other development in the APEC region.

However, the United States has offered to host the 1st APEC Energy high commissioners meeting in 2011, while Russia will host the 10th APEC Energy Ministers’ Meeting in 2012.