PE2’s Ablaza pitches EE as stimulus in Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020
MANDALUYONG CITY, 16 June 2020 – Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2) president Alexander Ablaza was invited by the organizers of the Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2020 to serve as panel discussant of the session “Economy-wide Energy Evolution.” Now attended virtually by over 3,000 participants, the 15th annual ACEF is being hosted this week by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the support of the US Agency for International Development, the Korea Energy Agency and the International Energy Agency.
During the panel discussion, Ablaza showcased PE2’s efforts to propose energy efficiency (EE) investments in the public and SME sectors as a major stimulus in the economic recovery program for the Philippines. Wearing his hat also as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific ESCO Industry Alliance, the PE2 head said, “We are starting to see energy efficiency being able to generate 45% more jobs than infrastructure development programs for the same amount of stimulus investment.”
The session was chaired by Camilla Fenning, Director, South East Asia Climate and Energy Network and Programme Director, Prosperity Fund ASEAN Low Carbon Energy Programme, UK Government. Ablaza’s co-panelist was Gavin Allwright, Secretary-General, International Windship Association. Speakers and presenters included Atsumasa Sakai of ADB, Richenda Van Leeuwen, Managing Director, Rocky Mountain Institute, Nursanty Elisabeth Banjarnahor, GDE, and Brent Habig, VP International Programs, Institute for Sustainable Communities.
The panel discussion highlighted the need for every sector of the economy to help deliver a sustainable energy future – from education, city planning, rural livelihoods, water systems, health sectors, and more. This session highlighted the breadth of new stakeholders deploying clean energy solutions across sectors. Presenters shared case studies and findings, including local communities’ economic development opportunities through the use of waste heat production at geothermal sites. This rural setting was juxtaposed with case studies of urban planning and design for zero energy districts and opportunities for diverse urban actors. Stretching the theme beyond direct energy generation and use, the panel explored progress in driving reductions in embedded energy through circular-economy approaches that can transform multiple sectors.
ACEF is one of Asia’s leading clean energy events and is held each June. ACEF connects diverse stakeholders from across Asia and the globe, facilitates knowledge sharing, and highlights ADB’s groundbreaking work to scale up clean energy investment in the region. The clean energy professionals and developing member country (DMC) officials who attend ACEF have one thing in common—they are passionate people who are eager to drive change towards a more sustainable energy future. This year, ACEF celebrates its 15th year of connecting people for impact – for the first time through a virtual platform.
