(KPL) The ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (AICEE) returned for its fourth year, taking place in Vientiane on September 25.

Organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR, this year’s conference aligns with Lao PDR’s 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship. It aims to foster discussions on interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral issues to advance the ASEAN Energy Blueprint.

The 4th AICEE is held in conjunction with the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24) and the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM). Under the theme ‘Charting ASEAN’s Energy Future for Regional Connectivity and Resilience,’ the conference underscores the region’s commitment to advancing energy cooperation and building resilience. It brings together academics, practitioners, and key stakeholders to strengthen regional energy security and support the transition toward cleaner energy.

AICEE focuses on two key objectives: Providing a platform for knowledge sharing among academia, policymakers, and the business sector on energy and climate change issues in ASEAN; and Strengthening interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate resilient energy security and transition in the region.

Central to the discussions at AICEE is the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025, the regional blueprint guiding ASEAN’s energy transition. Implemented by ACE, APAEC emphasizes energy transition as a key element, with a focus on enhancing regional energy security and promoting environmental sustainability.

Dr. Zulfikar Yurnaidi, Head of the Energy Modelling and Policy Planning (MPP) Department at ACE and Chair of the 4th AICEE, highlighted the conference’s pivotal role in shaping ASEAN’s energy future.

He remarked, “By facilitating regional connectivity and resilience among policymakers, scholars, and businesses, the 4th AICEE fosters cross-sectoral engagement, promoting the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025 and energy priorities under the Lao PDR’s Chairmanship.”

With more than 250 submitted abstracts, the 4th AICEE covers a wide range of topics, including: Energy Transition and New Emerging Technologies; Interconnection: Security and Accessibility; Sustainability and Climate Change; Carbon Pricing and Green Investment; Energy and Digitalization; and Environment, Policy, and Socioeconomics.

AICEE’s success is bolstered by its academic partners and co-host institutions. The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) provides significant financial support for the conference, while the National University of Laos (NUOL) plays a key role as co-host.

Other academic partners, including the Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership (JASTIP), Energy Research Institute (ERI) of Chulalongkorn University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project Phase II (ACCEPT II), and Universitas Udayana, contribute vital expertise and insights.

KPL