LIMA, Peru (Aug 17): The 14th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting has concluded with economic partners supporting the launch of the APEC Policy Guidance to develop and implement a Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy Framework in the Asia-Pacific.

This policy guide provides a solid framework of reference for APEC economies to develop a comprehensive and effective hydrogen strategy.

"This collective initiative not only supports APEC's economic objectives, but also contributes to the decarbonisation agenda at the global level.

"In addition, this policy guide also encourages and facilitates the sharing of best practices and value chains, innovation and research, technology transfer and investment, as well as public awareness of hydrogen among APEC economies," Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said at the end of the two-day meeting which started on Thursday. Fadillah is also the energy transition and water transformation minister.

Fadillah said the discussion also focused on the challenges and solutions to increase energy access for sustainable growth, the development of hydrogen development road map and strategies, as well as the Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy Framework document for the APEC region.

Fadillah also shared Malaysia’s Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap, which emphasises a phased approach to developing infrastructure and the hydrogen industry, regulatory framework and targeted promotion to increase investment in the local hydrogen industry.

Among the main hydrogen projects highlighted were the Mobile Hydrogen Filling Station and the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub with the potential to elevate Malaysia as a major player in the clean hydrogen market.

He was of the view that the public-private partnership approach can be used to increase the acceptance and use of hydrogen technology in driving local hydrogen initiatives, as well as in promoting the use and export of hydrogen.

Regarding energy access and sustainable growth, Fadillah said that in general, all APEC economies recognise the importance of energy access in driving sustainable growth. "In promoting sustainable development, efforts need to be increased to overcome obstacles and facilitate access to energy supply to the people, especially in rural areas," he added.

During the intervention session, he emphasised that in the enthusiasm of implementing the sustainable development agenda, access to electricity supply is a fundamental matter to ensure that all citizens at various levels get electricity supply, especially in rural areas.

He also shared that the implementation of the National Energy Transition Roadmap by Malaysia is based on four main principles — supporting the country's sustainable development aspirations; ensuring a fair and inclusive energy transition; strengthening effective governance; and expanding the involvement of micro, small and medium enterprises in the energy ecosystem.

The meeting also issued a Joint Statement of the 14th APEC Energy Ministers' Meeting (Five Statements), which emphasised APEC's economic commitment to increasing cooperation and collaboration towards driving comprehensive and sustainable energy development in the Asia-Pacific region.

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