Latest news with #AsiaZeroEmissionCommunity
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scientists launch $500 million effort to harness near-limitless energy under our feet: 'A significant step forward'
Indonesia and Japan announced the financial closing of a monumental $500 million project that will add a second unit to the Muara Laboh geothermal plant in West Sumatra, Indonesia, according to the Indonesia Business Post. Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who serves as special envoy for the current prime minister, met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Together, they sealed the deal and accentuated the strength of the nations' bilateral cooperation. "This 88-megawatt geothermal project in Solok, West Sumatra, marks a concrete showcase of our commitment under the Asia Zero Emission Community," Indonesia's coordinating minister for the economy, Airlangga Hartarto, told the Indonesia Business Post. "It is a significant step forward in our energy transition efforts." Kishida created AZEC as prime minister to help decarbonize Asia with other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and create, per The Associated Press, "a new, huge decarbonization market in Asia that will attract global capital." Similar initiatives are underway in the U.S. in Colorado and Texas, among other states. Although there are some concerns about geothermal energy, on the whole, it provides many environmental and human benefits. It is a renewable resource that reduces planet-warming emissions, air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels. The geothermal energy industry also creates jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Opportunities should arise for workers in a wide variety of occupations with different education and training requirements. … As the demand for clean energy grows, jobs in geothermal energy will be a small but growing potential source of new employment opportunities." In other words, it is both financially and environmentally profitable for society to move away from dirty energy and toward newer, cleaner alternatives. One of the best ways for consumers to compound the economic and environmental benefits of initiatives like these is to transition their homes to solar power. This move can bring energy costs down to or near $0. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Companies such as EnergySage can help. It provides a free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installation, allowing everyday homeowners to harness the power of clean energy. Voicing gratitude for the kinship and shared vision of the two nations, Hartarto said to Antara News: "Indonesia deeply appreciates Japan's commitment to sustainable development. This progress reflects both countries' efforts to foster mutually beneficial economic cooperation and shared prosperity." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Japanese companies sees investment opportunities in ASEAN power grid initiative
KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese companies have expressed their interest in supporting and investing in the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative, which, among others, includes the proposed submarine cable project connecting Sarawak and Johor. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata said that to further elevate trade and economic cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, Japanese companies are also eyeing green investment opportunities and hydropower-related projects in the country. He noted that both countries can benefit from the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), which is a platform for cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions in the Asian region. 'More Japanese companies are interested in coming to Malaysia -- for example, Sabah for green investments, and Sarawak for its huge hydropower potential. 'Japanese companies can contribute by introducing new technologies such as making use of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS),' he told Bernama after his appearance on BernamaTV's 'The Nation Diplomatic Dispatch' programme, which is aired today. Shikata added that Japanese companies are also looking into investing in Malaysia's booming data centre industry. Malaysia's food and beverage industry is also an attractive investment avenue for Japanese companies, he said, estimating that there are over 2,000 Japanese restaurants in the country. He noted that Malaysia has been attracting food-related investments, supported by the nation's halal certification regulation. 'One example is Ajinomoto Malaysia Bhd, which has a factory near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). They are 100 per cent halal, and I understand that about 40 per cent of their products are exported to the Middle East and 10 per cent are exported to Japan. 'As more and more Malaysian tourists come to Japan, there is a higher expectation for Japanese restaurants in Malaysia,' he added.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Japanese companies to further elevate trade in APG
KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese companies have expressed their interest in supporting and investing in the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative, which, among others, includes the proposed submarine cable project connecting Sarawak and Johor. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata said that to further elevate trade and economic cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, Japanese companies are also eyeing green investment opportunities and hydropower-related projects in the country. He noted that both countries can benefit from the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), which is a platform for cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions in the Asian region. 'More Japanese companies are interested in coming to Malaysia -- for example, Sabah for green investments, and Sarawak for its huge hydropower potential. 'Japanese companies can contribute by introducing new technologies such as making use of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS),' he told Bernama after his appearance on BernamaTV's 'The Nation Diplomatic Dispatch' programme, which is aired today. Shikata added that Japanese companies are also looking into investing in Malaysia's booming data centre industry. Malaysia's food and beverage industry is also an attractive investment avenue for Japanese companies, he said, estimating that there are over 2,000 Japanese restaurants in the country. He noted that Malaysia has been attracting food-related investments, supported by the nation's halal certification regulation. 'One example is Ajinomoto Malaysia Bhd, which has a factory near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). They are 100 per cent halal, and I understand that about 40 per cent of their products are exported to the Middle East and 10 per cent are exported to Japan. 'As more and more Malaysian tourists come to Japan, there is a higher expectation for Japanese restaurants in Malaysia,' he added.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia-Japan propose new collaboration hub
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Japan have proposed the establishment of a new cooperation centre in Malaysia to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in technology, sustainability, and ASEAN energy integration, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today. In a Facebook post, Anwar said the initiative underscores Malaysia's commitment, as 2025 ASEAN Chair, to leading the region's push toward a low-carbon future. 'We welcome Japan's technical and advanced research support, especially through initiatives such as the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), which will help accelerate the comprehensive and large-scale implementation of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). 'Japan, with its strengths in renewable energy, bioenergy, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), has positioned itself as a key strategic partner in Malaysia's aspiration to become a regional hub for sustainable energy innovation,' he posted. Anwar said the proposal was raised during his meeting with Japan's former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who paid a courtesy call on him today. The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that stronger ties between industries, policymakers, and research communities of the two countries would fast-track Malaysia's energy transition, foster innovative solutions, and bolster regional economic resilience. 'This is the time to build a stronger economy for a sustainable legacy for future generations,' he added.
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Japan to deepen strategic ties in energy transition and sustainability
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is seeking to strengthen strategic cooperation with Japan, particularly in the areas of energy transition and sustainability, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said his meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida today marked a significant step in enhancing bilateral cooperation to address global challenges, especially in advancing clean energy and environmental sustainability. He added that as the Asean 2025 chair, Malaysia is committed to leading regional efforts toward a low-carbon future. "In that spirit, we welcome Japan's technical support and advanced research, including through initiatives such as the Asia Zero Emission Community, particularly to fast-track the implementation of Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap on a large scale," he said in a Facebook post today. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said Japan's expertise in renewable energy, bioenergy, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies positions it as a valuable partner in Malaysia's efforts to become a regional hub for sustainable and innovative energy solutions. "To that end, Malaysia has proposed the establishment of a new centre of cooperation in the country to enhance cross-sector collaboration in technology, sustainability, and Asean energy integration. "With expanded linkages between industry, policy and research communities in both nations, we are confident that Malaysia can accelerate its energy transition agenda, pioneer innovative solutions, and strengthen regional economic resilience. "This is the time to act — to empower our economy and secure a sustainable legacy for future generations," he added. Malaysia's ties with Japan have continued to deepen since both nations elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2023. Japan remains a key economic partner, with nearly 3,000 manufacturing projects involving Japanese participation implemented in Malaysia as of June last year. These projects represent a total investment of RM105.2 billion (US$30.4 billion) and have created nearly 344,000 jobs. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Japan was Malaysia's fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the fourth quarter of 2024, with investments valued at RM102.02 billion — an increase from RM94.18 billion recorded in the same period in 2023.
