By Romulo Mucho
Energy efficiency is using energy intelligently and effectively to save our environmental resources.
Energy is what makes all progress feasible. In turn, energy is the foundation on which our economies can thrive. However, we are also aware of the climate challenges we face, which are mainly caused by our current energy systems. In this sense, it is imperative to consider efficient and conscious use of our energy resources.
Likewise, energy efficiency does not imply that we will deprive ourselves of our security and comfort, but rather using energy intelligently and effectively, which allows us to save our resources, be more competitive, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our natural resources, and the environment as well.
Keeping in mind that the main objective of the APEC forum is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, we seek to integrate our efforts to achieve our goals collaboratively and efficiently using our resources.
At the APEC Energy Working Group policy dialogue last week, we have had the opportunity to gain valuable insights from researchers, policymakers, energy technology leaders, as well as investment and financing entities. We learned about the latest trends and frameworks that can effectively support, catalyze and improve energy efficiency towards the adoption of the green and low-carbon hydrogen value chain by APEC economies.
Important collaborative efforts that can drive the development and implementation of green and low-carbon hydrogen policies have been discussed, contributing to the overall goal of a sustainable energy transition within the APEC region.
Stakeholders involved in the green and low-carbon hydrogen value chain exchanged views about financing, trade and policies. At the same time, we had the opportunity to explore how existing high-tech solutions and planned infrastructure have the potential to facilitate the widespread use of green and low-carbon hydrogen in the region.
We also learned how green and low-carbon hydrogen policies were addressed in all sectors through consistent but flexible global standards and definitions so that sustainable investment and trade can be promoted, ensuring that the production of green and low-carbon hydrogen is consistent with global decarbonization objectives.
Finally, the purpose that brings us to the conference marks an important milestone on the path towards the Energy Ministerial Meeting in August. The policy dialogue provided valuable inputs for following meetings and agreements of the EWG in the context of APEC 2024.
And as each participant returns safely to their home, I hope that we continue the collaboration that we began in Lima to achieve joint decarbonization in the APEC region, promoting the adoption of renewable energies and specifically green and low-carbon hydrogen.
Rómulo Mucho is the Minister of Energy and Mines of Peru.
