ASEAN Wants Renewable Energy As Alternative To Oil
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Vientiane, Laos (AHN) - Energy ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are calling for more investment and research to increase the region's capacity in renewable energy such as bio-fuels and hydro-power as alternatives to oil. A report by the AFP says the ministers issued a joint statement on Thursday calling for regional cooperation to boost renewable energy use amid soaring oil prices. It reads, "Reliable, adequate and affordable energy supplies are essential for strong and sustainable economic growth and competitiveness." Host Laos took the opportunity to appeal to the 10-member ASEAN for financial and technical assistance to upgrade its limited energy capacity. Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh says, "I would like to request the ASEAN energy ministers to assist Laos in harnessing its existing energy potential by encouraging their entrepreneurs to invest in hydro-power and thermal power development in Laos." The country is one of the poorest member of ASEAN and depends solely on hydro-power plants for its electricity. Cambodia made the same appeal before the regional grouping. Cambodian energy minister Suy Sem says in his appeal, "Cambodia has an abundant potential of hydro-power resources but development is hampered due to the lack of technical expertise and high investment cost." Surprisingly, oil-rich Brun |
