James Kon
Brunei Darussalam’s intent to move towards net zero by 2050 is supported by specific energy transition initiatives as part of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy in diversifying the energy mix. This includes more renewables to shape the Sultanate into a low-carbon nation.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof highlighted this at the 2nd Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting (AGGPM), during the Tokyo GX Week (Green Transformation) in Tokyo, Japan. The September 26 meet adopted a hybrid format.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi attended the 2nd AGGPM and 5th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting (HEM), and is set to attend the 11th LNG Producer-Consumer Conference (LNGPCC) and 2nd Asia CCUS Network Forum (ACN Forum).
According to the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the AGGPM was convened in person.
Ministers reflected on the importance of accelerating diverse and pragmatic energy transitions in Asia, taking into consideration the unique and different circumstances of each country, while underscoring the need for openness to utilise all applicable fuel sources and technologies.
The importance of well-balanced energy transitions towards achieving carbon neutrality was also emphasised, while ensuring energy security in the region and globally.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi revealed initiatives introduced during Brunei’s chairmanship of the 39th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting that includes the adoption of the Bandar Seri Begawan Joint Declaration on Energy Security and Energy Transition. This encompasses intensifying long-term energy and climate policy and planning; increasing energy efficiency and conservation; expanding renewable energy sources; and deploying advanced, cleaner and low-carbon energy technologies.
The 5th HEM discussed the rapid changes in the energy environment; progress towards building global hydrogen-powered society; and innovative efforts towards hydrogen utilisation in countries around the world. These are in line with the Tokyo Statement and the Global Action Agenda.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi outlined that Brunei Darussalam will continue to work with regional and international institutions to promote hydrogen energy.
The Sultanate played a role in the exploration of hydrogen potential, in collaboration with Japan, to execute a global hydrogen supply chain demonstration project between 2019 and 2022. It showed that hydrogen transportation through sea shipping is technologically feasible, but the cost and economies of scale remain key challenges.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi also held a bilateral meeting with State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Nakatani Shinichi at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s (METI) headquarters in Tokyo.
The pair emphasised the importance of the long-standing energy cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Japan, to explore possible opportunities on energy transition efforts, and further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Energy at the PMO Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya attended meetings as part of the Brunei delegation.
The 11th LNGPCC will be held virtually tomorrow under the theme ‘Reorganising LNG for World Energy Security’.
The conference will bring together liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers, consumers and think-tanks across the world to discuss major topics concerning the LNG sector, including the supply and demand outlook and key efforts toward developing a healthy LNG market.
The 2nd ACN Forum on September 30 will share knowledge and experience to ensure stable carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) projects within an Asia-wide CCUS network, and reflects on activities of the ACN over the past year, while recognising the importance of industry-academia-government platforms on the utilisation of CCUS throughout Asia. The Tokyo GX Week, hosted by the METI Japan, allows ministers, leaders of industry and international organisations to engage in energy and environment-related international meetings and conferences towards realising global carbon neutrality with sustainable economic growth through green transformation.
