The 54th APEC Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technologies Meeting (EGNRET 54) was held in virtual style by the Philippines during 10-11 November 2020. Participants from 8 APEC economies, 2 expert groups and 2 research centers attended the meeting.

Prof. Jinlong MA, Vice President of APSEC, reported the APSEC Activity Updates, which included introduction to the Workshop on Energy Transition and Scaling-up Renewable Energy, implementation APEC Self-Funded Project and two National Energy Administration of China  Funded Projects. Prof. Jinlong MA gave a presentation on the impacts of COVID-19 on renewable energy development. COVID-19 caused drop in global primary energy demand in 2020, the biggest since WW2. Renewables have proven to be the most resilient energy sources throughout the current crisis. Based on the available projections and studies from the international organizations and APEC governments on economic recovery and development prioritization, expected dealing with COVID situation, the assessment needs to develop scenarios with drivers include expected GDP growth, energy demand, energy technology choices etc. Considering more economies, Japan, Korea, China and likely the US and others, in the region move to carbon neutrality over longer terms (2050-60).