• 
• 

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

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

The regional linkage would involve transmis¬sion of energy through power grids and naturalgas pipelines. At present, there are nine transAsean pipelines with a combined length of 2,300 km, which allow regional trade of natural gas. Meanwhile, a transAsean 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 meas¬ures of nuclear power. The ministers would also draft a fiveyear Asean Energy Plan (20092014) for longterm energy security.

Energy Permanent Secretary Pornchai Rujiprapha was appointed chairman of the sen¬ior officials, who are preparing for the ministerlevel meeting on Thursday.