Jakarta/Bandar Seri Begawan, 19 April 2023: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and promote collaboration in energy cooperation.

During the virtual signing ceremony, YM Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira Bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Department of Energy in the Prime Minister’s Office, warmly welcomed the ERIA delegates and explained Brunei Darussalam’s aim to achieve net zero emission by 2050. He expressed hope that the MoU could respond to the need for cooperation and collaboration in conducting training, workshops, capacity building, research, and implementation of pilot projects within the scope of the energy sector, which includes decarbonising of fossil fuel use, sustainable energy, renewables, energy efficiency and conservation, next-generation vehicles, and new energy technologies, amongst others.

ERIA has been conducting research projects for the Government of Brunei Darussalam, which have proved useful to prepare the country for the energy transition. The MoU is expected to realise the vast potential for energy cooperation, especially in developing policies and/or mechanisms pertaining to energy markets, energy security, sustainable energy, and clean energy technologies, on the basis of friendship and mutual benefit.

‘ERIA will continue conducting high-quality research to support Brunei Darussalam’s strategy and plan for the energy transition and its implementation, and hopes that both sides will not only improve cooperation but also strengthen their friendship’, said Mr Koji Hachiyama, ERIA’s Chief Operating Officer. He conveyed ERIA President Hidetoshi Nishimura’s hope for continued support to Brunei Darussalam.