On Wednesday, Japan signed 70 new memorandums of understanding (MOUs) focused on energy transition, during the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) ministerial meeting in Jakarta. This significant move highlights Japan’s commitment to advancing clean energy and reducing carbon emissions across Asia.
The AZEC, which was proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022, officially launched in 2023 with participation from 11 countries including Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The initiative aims to promote decarbonization in the region and foster cooperation in energy transition efforts.
During the meeting, Indonesia’s coordinating minister of the economy, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized the need for regional collaboration to enhance power grids, invest in new energy sources like hydrogen and ammonia, and support next-generation vehicles and sustainable fuels. These areas are crucial for the collective push towards greener energy solutions.
One notable agreement signed on Wednesday involves a collaboration between Japan’s Toyota Tshuso and Indonesia’s state energy firm Pertamina. This MOU focuses on developing biofuels and green hydrogen, showcasing the practical steps being taken to advance sustainable energy projects.
The full list of MOUs signed has not yet been released, but the agreements signify a strong commitment from Japan and its partners to drive forward the energy transition and achieve significant environmental goals.