The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) calls on all parties to the Convention to take actions for responding to climate change, under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Although developing countries have no commitment regarding reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions so far, it is likely that they will become more involved in global efforts to reduce emissions in the future. Also, global GHG emissions reduction can be achieved at a lower cost through mitigation projects undertaken in developing countries. Thus, there is a growing need to enhance capacity and preparedness of the developing countries regarding identification and assessment of national GHG mitigation options.

Energy-environment-climate (EEC) issues, as well as capacity mobilisation and strengthening in developing countries have assumed key importance because of the need to identify GHG mitigation projects, enhance technical backup and provide guidelines for policy making. As far as research on mitigation of GHG emissions is concerned, there is a great deal of commonality among developing countries in terms of methodology, approach, technical options, barriers, etc.

The Asian Regional Research Programme in Energy, Environment and Climate (ARRPEEC) is organised as a regional network involving a number of national research institutes (NRIs) from several countries of Asia. ARRPEEC is funded by the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida) and co-ordinated by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The first and second phases of ARRPEEC started in 1995 and 1999, respectively.

ARRPEEC’s third phase is a logical continuation of Phase II, began in 2002. It involves four regional research projects, namely: 1) Biomass Energy in Asia: Assessment and Strategy Formulation; 2) Small and Medium Scale Industries in Asia: Energy, Environment and Climate Interrelation; 3) Strategies for Promotion of Energy Efficient and Cleaner Technologies in the Urban Transport System; and, 4) Strategies for Promotion of Energy Efficient and Cleaner Technologies in the Power Sector.

ARRPEEC Phase III involves 22 NRIs representing seven Asian countries. Research is carried out at the national institutions and at AIT, which also houses the steering committee of senior academics responsible for leadership, co-ordination and administration. In addition to conducting research projects, ARRPEEC has a fellowship scheme to enable senior researchers from the countries involved to carry out research and update their knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of EEC. ARRPEEC also holds workshops and seminars at the national and regional levels.