Phnom Penh, 1 July 2024: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe paid a courtesy visit to Cambodia’s Minister of Energy and Mines, H.E. Keo Rattanak. President Watanabe introduced the activities and research programmes undertaken at the Asia Zero Emission Centre, which will be officially launched at the upcoming 2nd AZEC Ministerial Meeting on 21 August in Jakarta.

 H.E. Keo Rattanak highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Power Grid, which he believes is critical for the region’s future. It was noted that momentum for the Power Grid has increased recently as ASEAN Member States seek clean and sustainable energy supplies to address climate change. The Minister expressed his strong support for the establishment of the Asia Zero Emission Centre, with the hope that it would further drive the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and ensure better connectivity across the region.

H.E. Keo Rattanak also highlighted the challenges of improving energy efficiency, noting that it requires changes in consumer behaviour. The Ministry and ERIA are keen to collaborate closely to enhance energy efficiency within the region.