Editorial

The GrIPP Network has completed another milestone when we successfully conducted our first region workshop last October in Bangkok, Thailand. The major partners made several presentations. In addition, invited speakers also discussed important and interesting topics on the use of renewable energy for power generation. The participants gained more insights on the development of renewable energy like hydropower, wind and biomass in Europe and Southeast Asia. A lively exchange of ideas and experiences also resulted from the three roundtable discussions (please see Summary of Proceedings). The program as well as the papers presented during the workshop can be downloaded from our website.

After the workshop, the project partners met to discuss the Network's accomplishments as well as the future activities. Among others is the launching of the website of the Network. It is now open to the public, as well as individuals who would like to register as members of the Network. New members of the Network can avail of the following:

• free subscription to our quarterly newsletter, the GrIPP-Net News;
• invitation to our workshops;
• access to our links libraries and members directory;
• and participation in discussion forums.

The Network will also come up with important data sources on renewable energies for power generation. These will be posted as knowledge maps and factsheets, which will be made available as soon as possible.

In addition, the partners firmed up preparations for the second regional workshop, which will be held in March 2003 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Risoe Laboratory will be spearheaded the affair. More details about this workshop will be provided in our website as well as our newsletter.

Meanwhile, as part of the Network's continuing activities, this issue features the important development and market prospects of small hydropower (SHP) in Europe and Southeast Asia. Europe is a market leader in SHP technology, and in most European countries, the economically feasible hydro potential has been harnessed to a great extent. On the other hand, Southeast Asian countries have yet to fully tap their hydropower potential. Thus, there is a possibility of a much closer cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in the field of small hydropower development.

Summary of Outcomes

ASEM Green IPP Network
First Regional Workshop
"Renewable energy sources in SEA-current stage, market conditions, and outlook"
24-25 October 2002, Bangkok (Thailand)
Summary of proceedings

The first regional workshop of the ASEM Green IPP Network was successfully held on 24-25 October 2002 in Bangkok. The main objectives of this workshop were to give an overview of the current stage of renewable energy sources�focusing on biomass, wind, and small and mini hydropower�in Southeast Asia and discuss the different market conditions in these countries and their impact on project development.

The workshop was divided into an opening session; keynote presentations; consecutive panel sessions on biomass, wind, and hydropower; and parallel roundtable sessions on project structures and financing approaches, policy instruments and regulation, and renewable energy technologies and resources�corresponding to the three competence centres of the ASEM Green IPP Network. A closing session summarised the outcome of the parallel sessions and formally closed the workshop.

The workshop started with an opening session, graced by a senior representative from the Delegation of the European Commission in Bangkok and the Secretary-General of the Foundation for International Human Resource Development (FIHRD), who each gave an international development perspective of their expectations of the Network. Key officials of the UNESCAP and UNEP offices in Bangkok also gave their recommendations on key issues to be addressed by the workshop after highlighting the present thrusts of both organizations in addressing energy and environment concerns.

The panel sessions on biomass, wind, and hydropower gathered together renewable energy experts from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to present the status of renewable energy policy, projects, and technologies in these countries, focusing on a specific technology or renewable energy resource. Each panel session started with a presentation of European experience focusing on policies, projects, technologies and resources. Selected experts from key organizations in Asia then discussed the market conditions and barriers for the development of biomass, wind, and hydropower.

The parallel roundtable sessions discussed issues thought to be critical for each of the competence centre�project structures and financing approaches, policy instruments and regulation, and renewable energy technology and resources. These parallel sessions were well attended by invited speakers and panelists and other participants who attended the workshop.