Japan extended its ongoing commitment to sustainable energy efforts in the Asia-Pacific region by providing an additional contribution of JPY 90.1 million for initiatives that promote energy efficiency across the region.
The memorandum of understanding formalizing this contribution was signed by Tsuyoshi Okuyama, Japan's Senior Official for APEC from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat.
"Japan's additional contribution reaffirms our commitment to fostering innovative energy solutions and enhancing capacity building in the region," said Okuyama.
"By the Sub-Fund for Energy Efficiency, Low-Carbon and Energy Resiliency Measures, we aim to support both energy efficiency and low-carbon initiatives that are critical for sustainable growth and environmental resilience," added Okuyama.
APEC's Sub-Fund on Energy Efficiency and Low Carbon Measures was established in 2009 to drive initiatives that enhance energy efficiency and curb carbon emissions across the region. Originally designed to support low-emission urban projects-most notably the Low-Carbon Model Town Projects agreed upon at the APEC Energy Ministers Meeting in Fukui, Japan, in June 2010-the fund has evolved in response to emerging challenges.
In 2020, amid increasing disaster events, the Energy Resiliency Principle was formulated and endorsed by the APEC Energy Working Group, and the initiative to Enhance Energy Access in APEC was also approved. Consequently, the fund's mandate was expanded to incorporate energy resiliency and access.
"This contribution will further strengthen our ability to advance sustainable energy policies and low-carbon technologies across the Asia-Pacific. It represents a continued collaboration with Japan to address the pressing challenges of climate change and energy security and we express our gratitude for Japan's support," added Eduardo Pedrosa.
Projects are a vital part of the APEC process. They help translate the policy directions of APEC economic leaders and ministers into actions that create tangible benefits for people living in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC provides funding for over 100 projects each year, with around USD 19.5 million available in 2025.
