At the International Energy Initiative (IEI), we believe that the efficient production and use of energy in an environmentally sound way is of critical importance when addressing development concerns, as well as economic growth, environmental protection, trade and even international peace. Our objective is therefore to promote clean and efficient energy services that would, in turn, foster sustainable development.

At the Asian REI of the IEI, we endeavour to work on local/regional issues as well as global problems, and are therefore involved in both proximate and international projects.

Our activities include collection of information, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and practical demonstration of proposed models.

Our strategy

Our focus is on developing countries, in which we are:

• propagating an approach to energy in which the level of energy services is taken as the measure of development, rather than the magnitude of energy consumption and supply,
• promoting increased energy services, through a rationally-determined mix of "hardware" – "cleaner"/renewable centralised sources of energy, decentralised renewable sources and end-use efficiency measures,
• addressing the "software" issues of policies, institutions, financing, and management, involved in the implementation of such a "hardware" mix,
• providing rigorous assessments and thereby promoting emerging technologies of end-use efficiency improvement and renewable sources (including modern biomass-based technologies),
• initiating and strengthening technological capability in energy analysis, planning and implementation,
• contributing to the improvement of existing energy institutions and efforts,
• demonstrating improved energy services in rural areas.

Our working mode

The Asian Regional Energy Initiative pursues the IEI goals in India and other Asian countries. We have a small group of full-time staff who work independently as well as in collaboration with other groups and institutions. Annual work-plans based on these are drawn up and provided for. In addition, some activities – particularly analytical work – are taken up when the need arises.