CEBU declaration outlines ASEAN Power Grid, gas pipeline for energy security

The signatories commit to working together to ensure energy security, improve energy efficiency, and address climate change through regional cooperation.

Who it concerns: The agreement involves the Heads of State/Government of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. It concerns the energy sector, including fossil fuels, renewable energy (biofuels, hydropower), nuclear power, and related industries.

What was agreed

• Improve efficiency and environmental performance of fossil fuel use.
• Reduce dependence on conventional fuels through energy efficiency, conservation, hydropower, renewable energy, biofuels, and civilian nuclear power.
• Encourage open and competitive regional and international energy markets.
• Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions to contribute to global climate change abatement.
• Pursue investment in energy resource and infrastructure development through private sector involvement.
• Promote cleaner and lower emissions technologies for fossil fuels.
• Encourage biofuel use and work towards freer trade and standards for biofuels in engines and motor vehicles.
• Set individual voluntary goals and action plans for improving energy efficiency.
• Increase capacity and reduce costs of renewable energy through innovative financing.
• Ensure stable energy supply through investments in regional infrastructure such as the ASEAN Power Grid and Trans ASEAN Gas Pipeline.
• Encourage recycling of oil revenues for equity investments and affordable loans for developing countries in the region.
• Explore strategic fuel stockpiling arrangements (individual, multi-country, or regional).
• Promote clean coal technologies and international environmental cooperation.
• Assist less developed countries in national capacity building.

Also in the document

• The declaration explicitly mentions the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans ASEAN Gas Pipeline as examples of regional energy infrastructure investments.
• It commits to exploring strategic fuel stockpiling through voluntary and commercial arrangements.
• It encourages the recycling of oil revenues and profits for equity investments and long-term, affordable loan facilities for developing countries in the region.
• It calls for working towards a standard on biofuels used in engines and motor vehicles.