The role of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in boosting the supply chain of solar energy is the main focus of a workshop held in Hanoi from July 31 to August 1.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu stressed the need to effectively exploit and take full advantage of renewable energies such as solar energy, wind power and biomass.

These can help reduce the exhaustion of non-renewable resources, ensure supply for the operation of the economy and industrial development, as well as boost economic growth of APEC member economies, he said.

Ronald Steenblikx, a representative from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), said APEC leading officials and ministers from its member economies have paid much attention to the sustainable development of energies, particularly renewable ones.

In 2012, APEC leaders set a target of a 45 percent improvement in efficiency by 2035. However, a report on APEC energy outlook by the Asia-Pacific Energy Research Centre and APEC Energy Working Group showed APEC’s energy efficiency surge over the last three decade.

Primary energy consumption is expected to grow by 53 percent by 2035. Without reductions in energy intensity, APEC energy demand will grow at the same rate as the region’s GDP, which is projected to jump about 225 percent by that year, said the report.

To deal with energy challenges, Dr. Phyllis Genther Yoshida, head of the working group, suggested APEC economies work closely to raise public awareness of climate change and ways to use energy effectively, as well as to speed up research on low carbon emission technologies and green house gas emission reduction.-VNA