Japan pledges $100 mln for clean energy

JAPAN: Japan on Sunday pledged 100 million dollars to support clean energy projects in Asia, as rapid economic growth brings rising emissions of greenhouse gases.

Japan will also offer loans totalling up to two billion dollars over five years to promote sustainable development and measures to combat climate change, Finance Minister Koji Omi told the Asian Development Bank’s annual meeting.

“With Asia’s role in the world economy growing, CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions from Asia are having an increasing environmental impact,” he said.

“At present, Asia accounts for about 30 percent of global energy consumption,” he said, adding that the region’s energy use would double by 2030 from current levels.

“More efficient use of energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions in Asia are necessary for achieving sustainable growth not only in the region, but also in the world,” Omi said.

The ADB said Friday it would invest 900 million dollars in clean energy projects in 2007 and slightly more in the following two years, with the priority on China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Kyoto, Sunday, AFP