Introduction

Energy security is a concept that forms the basis of energy policy in every country. It goes without saying that countries must be able to provide a stable supply of energy at an acceptable price, and in the quantity needed to sustain the lives of their people and economic activities. Energy security is a top priority of the policy agenda in East Asia in particular, where countries are now confronted with increasing energy demand resulting from improved living standards and economic growth, coupled with the continuation of historically high crude oil prices. Moreover, with a majority of emissions coming from energy, including air pollutants and greenhouse gases, it is also clear that harmony with the environment has become an integral element of energy policy.