The 4th Japan-SAARC Symposium
On
Regional Cooperation in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
30-31 March 2011, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Japanese

Recommendations

The delegates of the 4th Japan-SAARC Symposium expressed their heartfelt condolences to the victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011.

The 4th Japan-SAARC symposium was organized by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh in continuation of the previous three symposia. The themes of the different sessions were set in line with the title of the symposia - "Regional Cooperation in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy".

Day one the symposium dedicated to Energy Efficiency was inaugurated by Brigadier General (Retired) Mohammad Enamul Haque, Hon’ble State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of Bangladesh.

Day two on Renewable Energy was inaugurated by Dr. Dipu Moni Hon’ble Minster of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh. Professor SM Nazrul Islam, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology welcomed the Chief Guests and the distinguished participants.

Following recommendations for consideration of the SAARC emerged from the Symposium:

1. Identification of technology options, financing mechanisms and policy interventions for the expeditious development of the Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) projects within the region.
2. Design and implementation of a Regional Standard and Labeling program based on the available projects and the initiatives in the region or adopt with suitable modifications, the ones that are in operation in some of the countries in the region.
3. Share experiences on test facilities and programs among the SAARC Member States, establish minimum energy standards in addition to harmonization of test procedures and capacity of testing facilities.
4. SAARC Energy Center (SEC) may facilitate regular interactions between the RE and EE institutions and professionals from the SAARC Member States to promote innovative solutions.
5. SEC may undertake a review of the policy initiatives of the SAARC Member States to facilitate harmonization of the RE and EE policies across South Asia.
6. The next meeting of the SAARC Energy Ministers may consider the following recommendations for adoption by the SAARC summit:
   1. (1)Implement at least one regional/sub-regional power generation project that would be jointly developed by the SAARC Member States for mutual benefits. This proposal has also been recommended under the SAARC Regional Energy Trade Study instituted by the SAARC Secretariat.
   2. (2)To provide national treatment to any cross border investments by the Member States in energy projects, including RE and EE projects, by both public and private sector agencies.
   3. (3)SEC to identify a set of research institutions within the region to take up specific research energy technology projects with funding from SAARC Development Fund (SDF), that have potential of benefiting the region/sub-regions.
   4. (4)Energy exchanges could be promoted among the SAARC Member States to encourage regional energy trade.
7. Concerted efforts need to be made through awareness campaigns to educate people at all levels, especially students, to highlight the need for energy conservation.
8. The South Asian Energy Club, as proposed in the 3rd Japan-SAARC Symposium (held in 2010, in New Delhi), should be established through active and regular participation from the Member States to serve as a platform to nurture future energy professionals from among the younger generations.
9. As stated in the 3rd Japan SAARC Symposium, the role of civil society including academics and media in discussions, debate and analysis on issues of energy in the context of regional cooperation/development in South Asia has been very critical and crucial. This has led to many regional cooperation and development projects and ideas in the past. This South Asian tradition has to be consolidated further by the organizing regional symposia, workshops and conferences more frequently in the different SAARC Member States.
10. The success stories as highlighted by various micro level initiatives in RE presented by the SEC at the symposium may be considered for replication by the Member States*.
11. SAARC Energy Centre may maintain a database of regional energy experts.

* Study on Critical Factors for Success of Renewable Energy Projects in South Asia, prepared by the SAARC Energy Center.