3 rd MEETING OF ICSU ROAP SCIENCE PLANNING GROUP ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN KUALA LUMPUR

The 3 RD Meeting of ICSU ROAP Science Planning Group on Sustainable Energy was held in Kuala Lumpur on 14 and 15 November 2008. The group is at the stage of compiling and furnishing the required information on each topic in the science plan. In attendance were Derek Gardiner as Interim Chair (ICSU ROAP Regional Committee Member), Momir Djurovic, Yoshino Hiroshi, Sukanta Roy, Ajith de Alwis, Atul Raturi, Arun Kumar, S. Dasappa and Nordin Hasan ( Ex-officio ). One other member of the planning group, Richard Corkish was unable to attend.

The science plan is expected to enhance the understanding of research needs to promote sustainable energy use and potential in Asia and the Pacific. It will guide the work of the ICSU Regional Office for the next three to six years. The plan focuses on seven energy sources i.e. wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass, ocean energy and energy from waste. It will take stock of the availability of each sustainable energy source, highlight current and emerging technologies, their potential applications in the region, and ways of enhancing efficient energy use for building and lighting. The topic on capacity building was also discussed to take into account education and training needs for the development of sustainable energy resources of the region.