9th CEFIA Government-Private Forum Held

1. The 9th CEFIA Government-Private Forum

CEFIA (Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for ASEAN) is an initiative proposed by the Government of Japan to promote the dissemination of decarbonization technologies and the establishment of related policies and systems under the leadership of businesses with the aim of introducing clean energy technologies in the ASEAN region. It began in September 2019.

Today, the 9th CEFIA Government-Private Forum was held online, and stakeholders from governments, companies, and financial institutions in Japan and ASEAN member states (AMS) attended the forum.

In the forum, representatives of participating companies and industrial associations that are engaged in efforts to promote clean energy in ASEAN under CEFIA provided briefings on the progress made in the specific collaborative projects (flagship projects) within the initiative and their future prospects. In addition, a new flagship project was launched in the field of CCUS. Moreover, Japan’s advanced technologies and initiatives related to sustainable fuels and offshore wind power were introduced, andthe participants engaged in active discussions on the future direction of government-private partnership in light of the current international energy situation.

2. Opening Remarks from Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ochi

At the beginning of the forum, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ochi delivered remarks via a video message as a representative of the Government of Japan. At the beginning of his remarks, he stated the importance of both clean energy in securing a stable energy supply and the need to expand cooperation across the Asian region. He also stated that Japan will promote decarbonization in Asia through the Asian Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) and CEFIA. Finally, he stressed the significance of holding this forum at this critical juncture, given the current international energy situation, as it aims to achieve a stable energy supply and energy transition including decarbonization.

3. Forum Highlights

(1) Session I: Overview of CEFIA Flagship Projects and Discussion

To promote the introduction of clean energy technologies and energy transition in the ASEAN region, briefings were held on the progress and future prospects of CEFIA’s flagship projects in the following fields: ZEB (Net-Zero Energy Buildings), biomass (boilers, biomass co-firing, production and utilization of biomass fuel, BECCS [Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage], biochar, among others), hydrogen and ammonia (promotion of hydrogen and ammonia production and utilization), and microgrids (introduction of an energy management system that integrates renewable energy and storage batteries). In addition, companies in the Philippines, the host country, also made presentations on their efforts in each flagship project field.

(2) Session II: Exploring Potential CEFIA New Flagships and Emerging Technologies

CCUS-related initiatives being undertaken by Japanese industry associations were shared, and a new flagship project in this field was launched. In addition, representatives of Japanese industry associations and the Government of Japan made presentations on the progress of initiatives and policy trends in the fields of sustainable fuels and offshore wind power, where ASEAN-Japan cooperation is expected to grow even further.

(3) Session III: Panel Discussion with AMS Representatives

In light of the current international energy situation, presentations were made on the technologies and policies that should be prioritized in AMS, based on the recognition that renewable energy and energy efficiency need to be further promoted to achieve a resilient energy system that is less susceptible to geopolitical risks, and active discussions took place on CEFIA’s future directions and contributions.

Division in Charge

Global Environmental Affairs Office, GX Policy Group, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau