Vientiane, 1 October 2024 – The 42nd ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting (AMEM) was held on 26 September 2024, in conjunction with the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24) in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Hosted by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and under its 2024 Chairmanship theme of ‘Enhancing Connectivity Resilience’, this high-level meeting was attended by all 10 ASEAN Member States, with Timor Leste also present as Observer. One of the highlights of this special occasion was the acknowledgement of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project Phase II (ACCEPT II) for its continued support in advancing regional energy security and promoting ASEAN’s low carbon energy transition. 

The Joint Opening Ceremony was officiated by H.E. Phosay Sayasone, Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR, who emphasised the importance ASEAN’s collective efforts in strengthening the ASEAN Community to effectively seize opportunities and address present and emerging challenges. Additionally, he also emphasised that the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) has been instrumental in driving energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in ASEAN. Through initiatives like ACCEPT, APAEC is better positioned to support AMS in achieving these strategic goals. 

During the meeting, ASEAN Energy Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional energy security through the adoption of the ‘Joint Ministerial Statement (JMS) of the 42nd AMEM’. The statement highlighted progress on key 2024 priorities, including the ASEAN Power Grid, Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, and efforts to advance carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), as well as renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency initiatives. ACCEPT’s active support for the implementation of APAEC Phase II (2021-2025), specifically in Program Area No. 6: Regional Energy Policy and Planning, has played a pivotal role in these developments. 

One of the major achievements acknowledged at the meeting was ACCEPT’s significant contribution to the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8), which was officially launched during the 42nd AMEM. ACCEPT led the development of the Carbon Neutrality Scenario (CNS), one of the four key scenarios in AEO8, providing valuable insights on the role of technology and innovative solutions in supporting AMS’ pathways to reducing emissions. The CNS emphasizes the potential for low-carbon technologies, renewable energy, and enhanced energy efficiency measures in achieving ASEAN’s climate goals. 

ACCEPT’s contributions extend beyond ASEAN Energy Outlook, as the project has also played a key role in the ongoing development of the Renewable Energy (RE) Long-term Roadmap. This roadmap, supported by ACCEPT and other partners, aims to outline potential pathways for enhanced regional cooperation on RE deployment and integration across ASEAN. The Ministers noted the development of this initiative as a guiding framework to advance regional RE ambitions and accelerate the shift towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future, and acknowledged the support from ACCEPT. 

The Ministers also endorsed the theme for the upcoming APAEC 2026-2030: ‘Advancing Regional Cooperation in Ensuring Energy Security and Accelerating Decarbonisation for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition’, which ACCEPT actively supported in formulating. This theme reflects ACCEPT’s long-standing focus on promoting a just energy transition by ensuring that low-carbon initiatives are inclusive and equitable, taking into account the diverse socio-economic contexts of AMS. 

In addition to its analytical contributions, ACCEPT has been pivotal in strengthening the capacity of AMS through targeted capacity-building programs, regional workshops, and policy advocacy. The project continues to facilitate information sharing and promote best practices on the energy-climate nexus, supporting AMS in translating the APAEC’s strategic objectives into tangible outcomes. 

Moving forward, ACCEPT remains committed to supporting AMS in achieving their energy and climate targets by advancing regional cooperation, providing technical expertise, and advocating for policies that align with ASEAN’s long-term vision for a sustainable and resilient energy system.