BUSAN, South Korea: Brunei has reaffirmed its commitment towards a just and inclusive energy transition, underlining efforts to integrate renewable energy and modern grid technologies in support of national and regional energy security.
This was said by the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Minister of Defence II Major General (Rtd) Datuk Paduka Halbi Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as Minister in charge of Energy, during the 15th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Energy Ministerial Meeting (EMM) held from August 27 to 28 in Busan, South Korea, according to a press release from the PMO.
Accompanied by Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the PMO Farida Datuk Seri Paduka Talib and senior officials, the Minister joined counterparts from across the region in discussions on advancing sustainable, affordable, reliable, secure and innovative energy systems.
At the meeting, Brunei underscored that its energy transition strategy goes beyond the deployment of renewables, focussing instead on a balanced and responsible integration of traditional oil and gas with cleaner energy sources. The approach reflects the nation’s determination to safeguard energy security while meeting climate commitments and sustaining economic growth.
Brunei is targeting a 30 per cent renewable energy share in total power generation by 2035, supported by the development of the country’s largest solar photovoltaic project – a 30MW plant scheduled for completion in 2026.
In his intervention under the session on Strengthening Grid Security and Reliability, the Minister highlighted the importance of a modern, resilient, and flexible power grid as the backbone of energy security. He emphasised Brunei’s efforts in exploring utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems to enhance solar integration and strengthen grid reliability in line with its renewable energy goals.
The Minister also reiterated Brunei’s commitment to regional cooperation through projects such as the Brunei-Sarawak power interconnection under the Asean Power Grid initiative, while encouraging deeper collaboration with Apec partners to advance secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy systems.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister met with fellow energy leaders including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation of Malaysia Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry of Singapore Gan Siow Huang.
The two-day meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Ministerial Statement, while the next Apec EMM is scheduled to be hosted by the People’s Republic of China in 2026. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
