Background and Objectives

The Energy Research Institutes Network (ERIN)—established by ERIA in 2014—connects leading energy research institutes from the 16 East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. Its key objectives have been to:

1. Support ERIA's energy research by supplying country-specific data, research findings, and expert advice on thematic areas and policy formulation.
2. Disseminate ERIA's research outcomes to policymakers and opinion leaders in member countries, enhancing visibility.
3. Contribute to capacity building, through workshops, training sessions, and facilitating peer learning across the region.
4. Engage actively in ERIA's research activities, including co-authoring studies, hosting workshops, and jointly presenting findings at EAS energy ministerial forums.

Main activities

ERIN has played a crucial supporting role for EAS countries' energy development:

• Annual meetings and workshops (e.g., 8th workshop in July 2023 on "Energy Transition in Asia; Gaps and Risks") provided forums for knowledge exchange among experts and policymakers, covering topics such as natural gas, renewables, hydrogen, CCUS, and system resilience,
• Joint policy outputs were delivered, such as country-led studies on eco-town planning (Brunei), renewable energy integration, and regional integration challenges in the lower Mekong, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ERIN and ERIA.
• Participation at EAS Energy Ministerial Meetings: ERIN findings were formally presented at ministerial meetings and helped inform ASEAN regional energy cooperation frameworks (e.g., the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation and EAS energy dialogues).