Planning starts for ASEAN energy cooperation — DoE

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said Southeast Asian energy officials are set to start setting priorities for regional energy collaboration.

As the 2026 chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines, through the DoE, will convene the region’s energy ministers and other officials to discuss new initiatives and review ongoing work programs.

The Philippines will host the ASEAN Special Senior Official Meeting on Energy and its Associated Meetings in Bohol from Jan. 20-22.

“The Philippines is advancing an energy agenda that delivers security for people, inclusive economic growth, innovation, and resilience across ASEAN,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said in a statement on Monday.

“Through these technical discussions, we are turning shared commitments into practical action, enabling ASEAN to move forward with confidence in building a secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future,” he added.

The discussions will help prepare to implement the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030, endorsed last year.

APAEC serves as the region’s five-year blueprint for energy cooperation, aligning shared priorities and coordinated actions across seven areas: an ASEAN Power Grid; clean coal transformation; renewable energy; civilian nuclear energy; oil and gas connectivity, security and sustainability; energy efficiency and conservation; and regional energy policy and planning. 

During the meetings in Bohol, senior officials will also endorse the annual energy priorities to be pursued during the Philippines’ chairmanship, drive the delivery of one of the priority economic deliverables, and deepen strategic cooperation to fortify regional energy resilience, including preparedness and coordinated responses to disruption.

Mr. Fuentebella told reporters that the Philippine hosting is expected to help draw in more foreign capital by giving the business sector a better understanding of the region’s priorities and direction.

“As chair, the Philippines is committed to ensuring our collective efforts deliver tangible benefits, from powering homes and businesses to strengthening resilience and supporting inclusive growth for all ASEAN peoples, while fostering partnerships that reinforce our shared prosperity and security,” he said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera