Energy transition, in Brunei Darussalam’s context, goes beyond adding renewables. It is about the responsible and strategic integration of traditional oil and gas with cleaner energy sources to sustain economic growth, safeguard energy security, and fulfil climate commitments. This was stressed upon by the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence at the opening of the 15th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Energy Ministerial Meeting, APEC EMM, which took place in Busan, Republic of Korea on the 27th and 28th of August. Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof also explained, this balanced approach reflects Brunei’s unique energy landscape and its determination to transition towards a low-carbon future. As part of this effort, the country is targeting a 30 per cent renewable share in total power generation capacity by 2035 and is advancing the development of its largest solar photovoltaic project – a 30 Megawatt plant slated for completion by 2026.

The Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence in the second thematic session of the meeting highlighted that a modern, resilient, and flexible power grid is fundamental to energy security and a successful energy transition. Also underscored was the need for coordinated policies, infrastructure upgrades, and enabling environments for public- private collaboration to address challenges such as increasing demand, renewable intermittency, and aging grid systems. The 15th APEC EMM endorsed Joint Ministerial Statement was part of this year’s deliverables.

News courtesy of Radio Television Brunei