Rapid economic growth in Asia necessitates an increase in newly installed power generation capacity. However, dependence on conventional power generation will increase the risk of catastrophic consequences of climate change. In order to avoid such risk, renewable energy must become the main energy source for Asia. Although there is a huge potential for renewable energy in Asia such as the wind resources in the Gobi desert of Mongolia, which could supply half of the total electricity demand of the entire world, it would be necessary to construct cross-border transmission lines to maximize the potential of renewable energy.
At this moment, liberalization of the electricity market is under discussion, and the importance of cross-regional grid management and establishing rules for cross-border transmission lines in the future have been mentioned. Japan Renewable Energy Foundation is hoping that this conference can stimulate discussion on the possibility of cross-border electricity trade.