EC to fund ASEAN energy projects

EC to fund ASEAN energy projects

JAKARTA: The European Commission (EC) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have set up a joint program to facilitate anywhere from 50 to 60 specific projects in the energy sector across the Southeast Asian region.

ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) executive director Guillermo R. Balce said on Wednesday that a total of 31.5 million euros (US$27.7 million) worth of funds would be provided for five years.

He said that the EC would grant some 18 million euros, ACE 510,000 euros, and some 13 million euros expected to come from project partners.

Balce said that the kind of projects eligible to the funding facility include the rehabilitation of power projects to be more environmentally friendly, and energy efficiency-related projects.

Applicants can find the application form at www.aseanenergy.org and the form must be submitted to the ACE office in Jakarta, or its representative office in other ASEAN member countries. -- JP