13.4.1 Multilateral engagement
13.4.2 Regional engagement
13.4.3 Bilateral engagement
13.4.4 In-country and international agency activity
The Australian Government pursues its objectives through multilateral engagement, regional engagement, bilateral relationships, and a strong in-country and agency presence. Table 13.1 lists the government's main international energy engagements.
Table 13.1: Australian international energy engagement
| | Forums | Contributions to objectives |
|---|
Multilateral | International Energy Agency Clean Energy Ministerial International Energy Forum G–20 International Renewable Energy Agency United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change | Improves understanding of global energy trends, markets and policies Promotes open, transparent and competitive global energy markets Helps to build global and regional energy security response frameworks Harnesses convening power to pursue common energy goals Improves responses to disruptions to global oil supply. Builds international architecture to encourage reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, including from the energy sector. |
Regional | Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation East Asia Summit Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific Energy Ministers Meeting | Improves understanding of regional energy needs, objectives and policies Promotes regional energy security Promotes open, transparent and competitive regional energy markets Promotes stable and robust energy supply chains. |
Energy cooperation | Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum International Energy Agency Implementing Agreements International Partnership on Energy Efficiency Cooperation International Partnership for Geothermal Technology Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative | Builds knowledge, expertise and capacity Enhances and accelerates technology research and development through collaboration Accelerates development of clean energy technologies, systems and practices. |
Bilateral strategic partners | Key trading partners (Japan, China, East Timor, India, Republic of Korea, Taiwan) Regional energy partners (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea) Strategic energy partners (United States, European Union, United Arab Emirates) | Builds and maintains strong trade partnerships Develops new export trade opportunities Attracts investment and trade in domestic energy resources, technologies and systems. |
In-country representation | The Australian Government makes extensive use of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and Austrade global networks to strengthen energy and resource relationships. In addition, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism has a dedicated Australian-based staff member and locally engaged staff in the Australian High Commission in India, locally engaged staff in the Australian Embassy in China, an Australian-based Counsellor in Japan (shared with DFAT), and a representative in the International Energy Agency. | Strengthens relationships with key energy partners by facilitating greater understanding and exchange between government and industry energy experts, researchers and market participants. |
13.4.1 Multilateral engagement
Key multilateral energy-related engagements for Australia include the International Energy Agency, the International Energy Forum, the G–20, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, and the Clean Energy Ministerial process. All have broad membership and active energy-related work programs and objectives.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process is another important forum, given its influence in shaping the global response to climate change and the implications for energy markets, policy and programs.
Australia also engages in a range of specific partnerships and initiatives between governments, institutions, researchers and the private sector. This work focuses on particular energy objectives such as accelerating the development and commercialisation of new energy fuel technologies, speeding the adoption of new energy practices and systems (such as energy efficiency and smart grids) and collaborating in research, data and information-sharing.
13.4.2 Regional engagement
Over the coming decades, regional energy demand will grow and diversify, and domestic and regional energy markets will converge. As a supplier of coal, liquefied natural gas and uranium, Australia is well positioned to meet our neighbours' demand for energy resources and energy security. As a net importer of liquid fuels, we also rely on a stable, efficient liquid fuel supply through regional hubs.
We can deepen energy cooperation and regional dialogue through the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the East Asia Summit and the Pacific Island Forum to focus on region-specific energy priorities, needs, opportunities and frameworks.
Energy sustainability is an important issue throughout the Asia–Pacific region, mainly for reasons of energy security and social development, but also to aid the global response to climate change. Australia will continue its work with aid partners in the region to improve energy policy and planning, and specifically to promote the adoption of clean energy.
13.4.3 Bilateral engagement
Bilateral engagement is important for building and strengthening our relationships with our major energy trading partners, and for achieving mutual trade and technology development objectives.
These exchanges occur through a range of mechanisms, such as high-level groups, joint working groups, memorandums of understanding and commercial arrangements.
Our key bilateral engagements are with major current and emerging energy trading partners (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and increasingly India); countries with strategic roles in global energy frameworks or technology development, such as the United States, European Union members, G–20 members and some Middle East countries; and countries that are important regional energy partners in the Asia–Pacific region.
13.4.4 In-country and international agency activity
Postings of Australian energy experts in other countries and work through Austrade facilitate exchanges of information and build awareness of new and emerging opportunities. They are also important for promoting Australia's quality energy resources, our stable export markets and opportunities for investment in Australia.
Strengthening Australian government and industry participation in international energy agencies and institutions also increases our capacity to contribute to or influence their policies and work programs.