The 2016 New and Renewable Energy, Microgrids and Smart Grids Workshop for ASEAN 6 Member States (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) was held on 7-11 March 2016 in Japan. The workshop was sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and organised by the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ). The workshop was attended by 6 ASEAN Member States (AMS); Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Also in attendance, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)’s representative and members of Head of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA).

The Workshop provided a good platform for ASEAN and Japan to share information on policies and technologies of the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) focusing on Microgrids and Smart Grids. During the week, participants learned about NRE, Microgrids and Smart Grids, in particular on; i) Japanese Policies on Renewable Energy (RE); ii) Technical Solution for Grid Stabilisation; iii) Yokohama Smart City Project: Large-scale Demonstration and Future Implementation; iv) Total Energy Optimisation; and v) Approach for Zero Energy Buildings and Smart Energy System. The participants were also provided a good opportunity to participate in the “International Smart Grid Action Network (ISGAN) Public Workshop” in Yokohama as part of the activity.  Apart from that, they also went on to conduct site visits to see the advanced development of Microgrids and Smart Grids in Miyakojima’s Eco Island, Biomass Power Plant, and Mega-Solar Power Plant (Okinawa prefecture).  With that range of activities, the workshop certainly enhanced the knowledge of the AMS’ representatives in developing their action plans on NRE, Microgrids and Smart Grids.  (AJ)

Miyako Seitou Biomass Power Plant. Credit: IEEJ