Clean Energy

Energy Issues in Asia and the Pacific

The world’s current energy consumption has reached an unsustainable level, resulting in increased generation of greenhouse gases. Recent internationally published reports have indicated that if greenhouse gases continue to increase, global warming is likely to rise.

Energy consumption in Asia and the Pacific region is projected to increase at a much faster rate than in the rest of the world. This presents the challenge of how to meet the demand for energy in a timely and sustainable way.

Countries in the region are exploring ways to ensure energy security in many ways, such as adopting new and renewable energy sources and using indigenous resources like coal. Energy efficiency measures can also help address the tremendous increase in energy demand and the environmental effect of unsustainable energy consumption.

In addition, there are about one billion people in Asia and the Pacific who lack access to modern forms of energy, according to international reports. Meeting this need is essential to achieve the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.

All of these activities will require adequate financing. Government and multilateral sources will only be able to meet part of the investment requirements. The private sector will need to be involved. To encourage this, an enabling and transparent regulatory mechanism is essential.