The inaugural Sustainable Energy & Technology Asia exhibition & conference will be held in March in Thailand.
The event, hosted by Thai Ministry of Energy and the national Nuclear Society, will take place from 23 to 25 March in Bangkok’s International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
Thailand has the second highest primary energy demand in the ASEAN region and energy consumption is set to jump by 75% over the coming two decades as the economy expands and a more affluent society takes to the roads in increasing numbers. The Alternative Energy Development Plan states 25% of energy consumption needs to come from alternative energy sources by 2021, placing increased pressure of the development of credible policies and incentives to ensure targets are met.
These challenges are not unique to Thailand, which has seen energy demand in Southeast Asia expand two-and-a- half-times since 1990. Malaysia has seen an increase in energy consumption of more than 20% in recent years, Cambodia and Myanmar over 10% and Indonesia and Vietnam nearly 10%, the organisers said.
Energy policy across Southeast Asia varies considerably, reflecting differences in political direction, economic development and natural resource endowments.
Despite investment in the ASEAN Power Grid and Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Project, benefits of increased market competition, lowered consumer prices and increased energy security have not materialised. Additional action is required to ensure the lights stay on, the regions economies are able to flourish, whilst ensuring the ever increasing demand for energy remains affordable.
Technologies will become the main driver in enabling countries, government, the utilities, companies and consumers in achieving these goals, for keeping costs down and energy prices under control.
Governments, energy companies and the transport sector, from mass transport to motor vehicle manufacturers, need to work harder towards developing plans and implementing technologies to deliver a greener, more efficient and more sustainable energy future, it is stated on SETA’s website.