Manila, 8 October 2026: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe presented the work of ERIA’s Asia Zero Emission Center at the 4th Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting, highlighting practical initiatives to advance energy security, economic growth, and decarbonisation across the region. Drawing on lessons from recent energy supply disruptions, President Watanabe emphasised the importance of diversification and stronger regional co-operation.

On energy security, President Watanabe highlighted ERIA’s Regional Joint Oil Stockpiling Study, which provides policy options for policymakers and explores ways to engage the private sector as a solution provider. The study assesses stockpiling options, with a focus on a hybrid approach, and highlights the potential for private-sector-led pilot projects.

President Watanabe also presented ERIA’s other key activities on critical minerals, sustainable biofuels, and transition finance, which aim to strengthen regional energy security and support decarbonisation targets.

These key findings and recommendations are brought together in the recently published AZEC Policy Insight Report 2026.