ICSU ROAP SCIENCE PLANNING GROUP ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MEETS IN KUALA LUMPUR

The Science Planning Group on Sustainable Energy met in Kuala Lumpur on 23 and 24 April 2008. It is the third Science Planning Group established by ICSU ROAP. The ICSU ROAP science plans aim to identify areas of research that needs to be promoted in Asia and the Pacific. The Group on sustainable energy will plan the research agenda on sustainable energy in Asia and the Pacific. In attendance were Derek Gardiner as Interim Chair (ICSU ROAP Regional Committee), Momir Djurovic (Montenegrin Academy of Science and Art), Richard Corkish (University of New South Wales, Australia), Sukanta Roy (Naional Geophysical Research Institute, India), Ajith de Alwis (University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka) and Nordin Hasan (ICSU ROAP – Ex-officio ). Two other members of the planning group, Shuza Murakami and Donghwan Kim) were unable to attend.

The Planning Group deliberated the definitions of sustainable energy in use at present, and possible sources of sustainable energy of prime importance to the region. It is envisaged that the plan will focus on seven energy sources i.e. wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, biomass, ocean energy and energy from waste. It will take into consideration the energy availability in the region, current and emerging technologies and potential applications.

The science plan will guide the work of the ICSU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in the next three to six years towards enhancing understanding of the sustainable energy needs and potential in Asia and the Pacific especially in areas where there are significant gaps in our knowledge. Additional members of the Science Planning Group on Sustainable Energy are being sought to strengthen the group.Should you have an interest in contributing to the development of the science plan for the sustainable energy, please contact us at secretariat@icsu-asia-pacific.org .