The Cebu Declaration on Energy Security concerns some of the most polluted nations on Earth.

The pact was issued at the end of the East Asia summit, which groups the 10 member states of the ASEAN regional grouping with Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, India and New Zealand.

However, unlike the European Union, which recently announced proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020, the Asian leaders have offered no concrete targets.

And there is no timetable for results.

Instead, the declaration stresses the need to reduce dependence on conventional fuels such as crude oil, and boost the development of biofuels and other alternatives.

It also calls for more investment in energy infrastructure through greater private sector involvement.

'First step'

New Zealand's prime minister, Helen Clark, says the pact is a welcome first step, even without concrete targets.

"I am just thrilled to see that as a serious topic of discussion at a forum like the East Asia summit," she said.

Ms Clark says it is too soon to be talking about targets in an informal gathering such as the East Asia summit, which only started meeting in 2005.

The New Zealand leader also points out that comparisons between the gathering and the European Union are not entirely apt.

The EU has commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, while only a handful of East Asian countries, such as New Zealand and Japan, are Kyoto signatories.

Making the switch

The East Asia pact acknowledges that "fossil fuels underpin our economies, and will be an enduring reality in our lifetime."

However, it highlights limited reserves, unstable world oil prices, worsening environmental problems and an urgent need to counter global warming and climate change.

The declaration stresses the need to strengthen renewable energy development and promote open trade and cooperation in the sector.

It says biofuels, natural gas, nuclear power for selected countries, hydro-electricity and renewable energy should reduce the need for fossil fuels in future.

The document reaffirms the bloc's collective commitment to ensuring energy security, saying reliable and affordable supplies are essential for strong and sustainable growth.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard says the pact reinforces the critical importance of energy security to all countries.

"Everybody is concerned about energy security and the signing of that declaration was a common acknowledgment by all of the participants in the meeting of its great importance," he said.