Japan joins hands with ASEAN, Australia to implement decarbonization plans

According to a VNA reporter in Tokyo, Japan will coordinate with Southeast Asian countries and Australia on policies to reduce carbon emissions in the region, which is heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

Japan's Minister of Economy , Trade and Industry (METI), Ken Saito, and government officials from the 11-member “Asian Net Zero Emissions Community” (AZEC) will meet in Indonesia on August 21.

At the meeting, officials are expected to adopt a joint statement addressing challenges in three areas: electricity, transportation and industry.

AZEC will work on a 10-year roadmap as well as develop guidelines.

In the power sector, the statement is expected to focus on decarbonizing thermal power generation as coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels make up a large proportion of Asia's power mix.

AZEC plans to promote hydrogen and ammonia as fuels, taking into account the energy situation in each country. Technical tests on hydrogen and ammonia power generation are underway in Japan.

In the transport sector, officials will agree on establishing a supply chain in Asia aimed at expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels. AZEC will develop a roadmap for this initiative and propose projects with the participation of companies from AZEC members.

Meanwhile, in the industrial sector, the statement is expected to address the transition to renewable energy to generate electricity for industrial zones. AZEC members will also cooperate in deploying energy-saving technology.

In Asian countries, manufacturing accounts for a high share of exports by value.

By reducing carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) emissions throughout the supply chain, AZEC members aim to enhance their competitive advantage in the international community amid growing demand for decarbonization.

AZEC members are also expected to cooperate in sharing knowledge on their emissions trading frameworks.

AZEC was first proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022. Except for Myanmar, nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have joined the mechanism along with Japan and Australia.

The AZEC leaders' summit is scheduled to take place in October this year in Laos.