BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Stakeholders from Brunei’s energy sector gathered at the Radisson Hotel on Thursday to discuss approaches and challenges of clean energy transition during a policy seminar organised by the European Union-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility.
Themed “Towards a Clean and Just Energy Transition”, the event featured panel discussions with speakers from the energy industry, academia, and public sector, who discussed energy policies in both Brunei and the EU, and how green transition could present unique opportunities in business and investment.
“The European Union and Brunei have a very different energy landscape, but we share the commitment to a clean and just energy transition, in line with the Paris Agreement,” said Sander Happaerts, Green and Digital Adviser at the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei.
“This seminar is an important step in learning from each other and building a stronger partnership.”
The EU has a binding target to become climate neutral by 2050. This includes a full decarbonisation of its energy system, as well as a transformation of industry and other sectors.
Brunei, a long-time exporter of crude oil and natural gas, is endowed with abundant hydrocarbon reserves which have significantly contributed to national wealth and provided a cornerstone for economic stability.
But now as a signatory of the Paris Agreement, the sultanate has pledged to transition to a low-carbon economy and cut emissions by 20% over the next 10 years.
The sultanate also joined the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge in 2023, supporting a threefold increase in installed global renewable energy generation.
“Compared to 10 years ago, there is more awareness of where Brunei is heading what the future should look like,” said Hj Mazrul Adini Abdul Ghani, Technology Manager at Brunei LNG, the largest natural gas producer in the sultanate.
He said the company is supportive of the government’s targets under the Paris Agreement, and that Brunei LNG’s decarbonisation efforts have focused on reducing industrial emissions and improving energy efficiency in plant operations.
When asked if the company is investing in cleaner energy sources, Hj Mazrul said Brunei LNG is exploring a range of business opportunities towards clean energy transition.
“No options are off the table. We want to leverage economic trends, but getting buy-in is very important. We have three shareholders to satisfy… so we need to make sure any ventures are economically viable.”