ASEAN, EU launch energy program

ASEAN, EU launch energy program

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) have launched a five-year
program to stimulate and support energy projects in both regions,
the two international bodies announced in a joint statement.

"The program will be managed by the Jakarta-based ASEAN Center
for Energy (ACE). The executive body of the EU, the European
Commission, is contributing around 18 million euros to the
program," the joint statement said.

The program will help the energy industries in both regions in
formulating policies and carrying out training programs,
feasibility studies, seminars, exhibitions and study tours, the
statement said.

It will cover five subsectors, including electricity (the
ASEAN power grid), natural gas (trans-ASEAN gas pipeline), clean
coal technology, energy efficiency and renewable energy, the
statement said.

"It (the program) will cofinance projects initiated by the
energy industries, both public and private," it said. (03)