APEC’s Energy Working Group (EWG), launched in 1990, seeks to maximize the energy sector's contribution to the economic and social well-being of the people in the APEC region, while mitigating the environmental effects of energy supply and use.
Importance of energy cooperation
According to a report, APEC Energy Demand and Supply Outlook (8th Edition), produced by the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC),
- APEC economies represent over 38 percent of the global population and 56 percent of global economic activity, with strong economic trade ties throughout the world.
- The role APEC plays in the global energy market is indispensable. It accounts for 56 percent of world energy demand, 58 percent of world energy supply, and 68 percent of world electricity generation. APEC accounts for 60 percent of global CO2 emissions.
Given that the world is already experiencing the harmful effects of climate change, it is also imperative to prioritize climate action. As of 2023, 19 APEC economies have declared commitments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or 2060.
On the other hand, economic output (real GDP) is anticipated to more than double by 2050 in the region, while APEC population is expected to peak in the 2030s, before declining to be only 2 percent higher in 2050. This accelerated economic growth is frequently associated with heightened energy demand, leading to increased CO2 emissions. Moreover, considering each APEC economy is in a unique situation, influenced by factors such as their level of economic development and social circumstances, it is imperative for APEC economies to simultaneously address climate change, promote economic growth, and facilitate the transition to sustainable energy.
APEC energy goals
EWG has set two collective goals:
- to reduce APEC's aggregate energy intensity by 45 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
- to double the share of modern renewables in the energy mix by 2030, relative to the numbers from 2010.
To achieve these goals, EWG has undertaken a wide range of activities. In 2023, APEC economies have proposed 14 APEC-funded projects in EWG, covering various areas such as policy dialogues, workshops, and peer reviews for low-carbon energy policies. These capacity building and technical assistance initiatives are at the core of EWG's work as the group supports economies in their transition towards a more sustainable economic growth.
Subgroups
Four expert groups assist the EWG:
- Clean Fossil Energy (EGCFE)
- Energy Data and Analysis (EGEDA)
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EGEEC)
- New and Renewable Energy Technologies (EGNRET)
As well as one task force:
Research bodies
Two subsidiary research bodies further support the EWG:
- Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) – established in July 1996 in Tokyo, in accordance with the Osaka Action Agenda adopted by APEC Economic Leaders in 1995.
- The APEC Sustainable Energy Centre (APSEC) – established in 2015 at Tianjin University, China, following endorsement by APEC Economic Leaders in Beijing in 2014.
Sub-Fund for Energy Efficiency, Low-Carbon and Energy Resiliency Measures
Since 2009 an APEC Sub-Fund for Energy Efficiency, Low-Carbon and Energy Resiliency Measures has been maintained with contributions from the government of Japan. This sub-fund continues to support a wide range of energy-related technical capacity-building projects supporting cooperation between APEC members. The general procedures for applying for APEC project funding are available here.
Last page update: July 2025
Contacts
EWG Lead Shepherd
Research Institute of Economics & Technology (ETRI), CNPC
Program Director
Current Activities
EWG 69
The 69th Energy Working Group (EWG69) meeting took place in Gyeongju, Korea, during SOM1 from 26 to 27 February 2025.
1. Korea's priority
Korea reported on their host year priorities under the theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow”. For their 2025 APEC host year, Korea is focusing on three key agendas for 2025 APEC EMM: Expanding Clean Electricity through Utilizing Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) Technologies; Strengthening Grid Security for Stable and Reliable Energy Supply; and Powering the Future: AI-Driven Energy Innovation.
Korea explained "APEC Policy Guidance on Utilizing Carbon-Free Energy Technologies to Expand Clean Electricity in APEC" which will be adopted in EMM15 in August. As one of Korea’s actions to promote these priorities, the policy dialogue was held in the morning of 26 February 2025.
2. The 15th Energy Ministerial Meeting
Korea will host the 15th Energy Ministers’ Meeting on August 27-28 after EWG70 in August 25-26, 2025 in Busan. Joint Ministerial Statement and Policy Guidance on CFE will be adopted.
3. Discussions on Ministers' instructions
EWG discussed the APEC energy goals which were instructed by APEC Ministers. APERC reported Progresses toward the Energy Intensity Reduction Goal, Renewable Energy Doubling Goal, and the Goal to Triple Renewable Energy Capacity Globally goals. APERC and EGEDA will continue to track energy intensity, renewable energy share, and RE generation capacity.
Peru, EGNRET and EGCFE reported on APEC Policy Guidance to develop and implement clean and Low-carbon Hydrogen Policy Frameworks and encouraged more cooperation and common understanding.