Bangkok pushes for Asean engergy plan

Deputy Energy Permanent Secretary Kurujit Nakornthap said Monday that Thailand will present energy strategies for discussion at the Asean Energy Ministers' Meeting, which began in Bangkok on Monday and ends on Friday.

"All members will brainstorm to find solutions for the energy prices and maximise each member's capacity particularly in alternative energy and regional linkage," Kurujit said.

Senior officials gathered on the first day and Thailand proposed alternative fuel as the Asean agenda.

The regional linkage would involve transmission of energy through power grids and natural gas pipelines. At present, there are nine trans-Asean pipelines with a combined length of 2,300 km, which allow regional trade of natural gas.

Meanwhile, a trans-Asean petroleum network would also be established.

According to Kurujit, Asean wil jointly study various measures, covering the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from petroleum plants, coal trade, energy conservation and safety measures of nuclear power. The ministers would also draft a five-year Asean Energy Plan (2009-2014) for longterm energy security.

Energy Permanent Secretary Pornchai Rujiprapha was appointed chairman of the senior officials, who are preparing for the minister-level meeting on Thursday.