APEC Energy Demand and Supply Outlook – Roundtable

A roundtable discussion on the APEC Energy Demand and Supply Outlook was convened in Canberra, Australia. The roundtable was led by Peter Drysdale and Shiro Armstrong, who brought together representatives from the Asia Pacific Energy Resource Centre, senior officials, and scholars.

During the discussion, participants highlighted the significant role of Southeast Asia in driving economic growth. However, concerns were raised about the potential limitations imposed by protectionism, decoupling, and export restrictions on the ability of developing economies to achieve rapid transitions towards green energy. The participants acknowledged that scalable technology for green energy is still at least a decade away from readiness in the region. Additionally, it was noted that exporting green hydrogen may not be feasible, but Australia could potentially engage in green processing before exporting products such as green iron ore. The importance of geographic and geopolitical factors was also emphasised, with an emphasis on the need to avoid unnecessary divisions when implementing new initiatives.

The roundtable served as a platform for exchanging insights and perspectives on the energy demand and supply landscape within the APEC region. The discussions aimed to enhance understanding and cooperation in addressing energy challenges and promoting sustainable development in the Asia Pacific.