This year marks the ninth GIZ Renewable Energy & Efficiency Week (REEW), an annual expert workshop for partners of German development cooperation in the energy sector. It was organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Berlin, 7-11 October 2019, with almost 300 participants from over 36 countries. REEW does not only aim to support GIZ partners in efficiently promoting energy transformation processes towards sustainable energy systems and energy access, but also a great platform of international experience exchange, networking opportunity and knowledge sharing on the recent trends in the global energy sector.

This also marks the fourth ASEAN-German Energy Programme (AGEP) participation in the conference. The region was represented by delegates from eight ASEAN Member States (AMS): Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira Bin Pg Hj Petra from Brunei Darussalam, San Sereyvathna from Cambodia, Lounny Sivannavong from Lao PDR, Ahmad Zulhilmi Harun from Malaysia, Win Myint from Myanmar, Andrea Jane Urquiola from The Philippines, Pongsak Prommakorn from Thailand, and Le Ba Viet Bach from Vietnam.

The first four days consist of workshop with different topics each day: Energy Systems and Climate Change; Policy and Regulation; Technology and Economics; Business Models, Financing and Private Sector. The first day was officially opened by Alexander Kauer from BMZ, followed by some keynote speeches from GIZ, BMZ Special Representative for Energy in Africa & Former Minister of State, and the Executive Secretary of Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). It is mentioned that based on REN21 Global Status Report, this has been a strong year for renewable energy with total global RE capacity rose by 8% in 2018 and 181 GW of renewable power was(were?) added. Totalling USD 289 billion of global investment in renewable power and fuels in 2018, with 11 million people employed in renewable energy sector worldwide.

The ASEAN delegates conveyed their appreciation and satisfaction from participating in REEW 2019. It has been a pleasant and resourceful experience that can further benefits their work as well. Following the success of this event, AGEP is looking forward for future discussions and activities on RE and EE with AMS. (MW)