Introduction

Energy is the principle driver for global stability in terms of climate change, national security, economic competitiveness and quality of life. It is the world’s largest industry and yet, it is the number one challenge facing humanity today. It requires sustained governmental focus and international cooperation on identifying strategic energy policy priorities, and the sustained implementation of corresponding policies backed by national and international action and investments. It is also critical to involve the public and industry leadership in setting and achieving the key priorities, and in developing and implementing technologies.

Hawaii is an ideal location for an Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo, serving as a gateway for commerce and one of the world’s leading incubators of renewable energy. Hawaii is known around the world for constant sunshine, strong tradewinds, powerful waves, volcanic activity and a climate that creates year-round growing seasons. While these abundant natural resources are what attract so many visitors to our islands, Hawaii is utilizing them to embark on a pioneering effort to build an economy based primarily on renewable energy.   In February 2008 the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of Hawaii signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), a long-term partnership designed to transform Hawaii’s energy system to one that utilizes renewable energy and energy efficient technologies for a significant portion of its energy needs. The partnership aims to put Hawaii on a path to supply 70% of its energy needs using clean energy by 2030 – one of the most ambitious targets in the world. Hawaii's success will serve as an integrated model and demonstration test bed for the United States, and the world.

Like Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific region can be a test-bed for emerging technologies. Some existing emerging technologies for energy generation and conservation are promising, but are untested in many Asia-Pacific settings. Critical technologies essential for sustainability still require significant research and development. By bringing together representatives from throughout the Asia-Pacific region, we can build upon established partnerships, such as the Asia-Pacific Partnership and the newly formed International Partnership for Energy Development in Island Nations (EDIN), and create new ones to push the region into the forefront of clean energy.

Summit attendees represent both government and private sector entities, either with alternative energy responsibilities or with related products and services. The purpose of the Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo is to educate government, industry professionals, customers and facilitators in the region about:

  • International and domestic public policy affecting the renewable energy field
  • Systems and equipment available today, and new technology of the near future, for commercial projects
  • Status and outlook of market demand for renewable energy technology in the Asia-Pacific region
  • Status of industry development, economics and competition of renewable energy projects