Mission participants during their visit to FREA to examine the latest wind and solar power technologies.

Representatives from eight APO member countries gathered in Tokyo 23–27 November 2015 to look at cutting-edge technologies in solar and other renewable energy in Japan. Comprising of a total of 16 members from the public and private sectors who are involved in energy policy and management in their countries, the group engaged in a series of activities over the five-day schedule, including visits to the Fukushima Renewable Energy Institute (FREA), Research Center for Photovoltaics (RCPVT) at the National Institute of Advanced industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tsukuba, and Chiba University’s Center for Environment, Health and Field Science and the Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City in Chiba prefecture.

On the last day, participants engaged in a group discussion and presentation session, sharing insights on what they had observed and learned from this mission. Highlighting unique challenges in their countries in furthering renewable energy initiatives, each group presented views and suggestions on how to achieve the best mix of renewable energy technologies.

Louie A. Belleza (L) of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan speaking with Filipino mission members while attending day 5 sessions as an observer.

On completion of the project, Hildelita I. Villanueva from the Department of Energy, the Philippines, commented that this project had been useful in gaining valuable insights into various renewable energy technologies and furthermore in supporting her country’s efforts to become the world’s number-one producer in the world of geothermal energy in future.

Mongolian participant Erdenetsetseg Bayarsaikhan from the Energy Regulatory Commission, while noting that her country was still quite new in the area of renewable energy, expressed hope that further study of the findings from this mission would enable her to provide prospective investors with detailed requirements and recommendations.

Finally, representing Sri Lanka, Sanath Kumara Madurapperuma Arachchige from the Lanka Electricity Company expressed gratitude for the project as the knowledge shared would assist his country in examining various renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power.