Experts advocate for ASEAN Centre for Energy to investigate low-emission energy solutions for the regional power grid.
In the heart of Southeast Asia, a significant shift towards a low-carbon future is underway. The ASEAN Power Grid (APG), a potential backbone of an integrated energy system, is being considered for a decarbonisation study [1].
The APG, spanning countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, has the potential to revolutionise the region's energy landscape. It includes industrial hubs, low carbon corridors, the production of electric vehicle batteries, and the production of the core components of the energy system [2].
The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), an intergovernmental organization serving as an energy think tank for Southeast Asian countries, is prepared to undertake this study [3]. ACE has been tasked to make breakthroughs related to the APG under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, including advancing renewable energy strategies and conducting optimisation studies for decarbonisation pathways [1].
However, ACE requires explicit approval from ASEAN leaders to conduct detailed scenario planning and decarbonisation pathway analyses for the APG [1]. The current status of the APG decarbonisation study is that it has not yet been officially mandated to the ACE.
Experts emphasise that ASEAN must officially empower ACE to undertake the decarbonisation study to explore pathways and inform policy [1]. Woo, a prominent figure in the region's energy sector, has highlighted the importance of regional agreements for the trade in electricity across Southeast Asian countries [4].
The potential benefits of the APG decarbonisation study are significant. Achieving decarbonisation of the region's energy sector would be cheaper if ASEAN countries work together as a group [5]. Moreover, achieving nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement in a way that is affordable and fair is important for ASEAN countries [6].
The APG is already in operation, carrying renewable hydropower from Lao PDR to Singapore [7]. However, at least US$100 billion is estimated to be needed to build more transmission lines for the ASEAN Power Grid [8]. The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project is an example of established interconnections in the region [9].
Many ASEAN countries have ambitious net zero emission targets. Most aim to achieve net zero by 2050, with Thailand considering bringing forward its deadline to 2050 [10]. Indonesia plans to achieve net zero by 2065 [11].
The APG decarbonisation study is a crucial step towards realising the region's goals of economic growth and increased energy supply, while aligning with the ASEAN's decarbonisation efforts [2]. The study is related to topics such as Carbon & Climate, Energy, and Policy & Finance, and falls under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7. Energy, 13. Climate, and 17. Partnerships [3]. The article's tags include ASEAN, clean energy, electricity, renewable energy, energy, SEA clean energy transition, decarbonisation, energy transition.
In summary, the idea and necessity of studying APG decarbonisation is recognised as timely and crucial due to Southeast Asia's growing electricity demand and renewable energy potential [1][2]. ACE, as ASEAN's energy think tank, is prepared and tasked to perform such studies in 2025, but lacks a formal mandate from ASEAN leadership to complete this work comprehensively [1]. Experts emphasise that ASEAN must officially empower ACE to undertake the decarbonisation study to explore pathways and inform policy [1]. As of July 2025, the APG decarbonisation study is in a preparatory and advocacy stage, with ACE poised to carry it out once granted the appropriate mandate by ASEAN leaders.
References: 1. ASEAN Power Grid Decarbonisation Study 2. ASEAN Centre for Energy 3. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4. Woo Yuen Meng 5. ASEAN Countries Working Together for Cheaper Decarbonisation 6. Achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement 7. ASEAN Power Grid Carries Renewable Hydropower 8. Cost of Building Transmission Lines for ASEAN Power Grid 9. Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project 10. Thailand's Net Zero Emission Target 11. Indonesia's Net Zero Emission Target
- Given the ASEAN Power Grid's potential to revolutionize the region's energy landscape, it is crucial for the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) to receive approval from ASEAN leaders to conduct detailed scenario planning and decarbonisation pathway analyses.
- The APG decarbonisation study, once undertaken, could pave the way for ASEAN countries to achieve their respective net zero emission targets and align with their Paris Agreement commitments in a cost-effective and fair manner.
- The study being prepared by ACE falls under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Energy), 13 (Climate), and 17 (Partnerships), highlighting its significance in promoting clean energy, addressing climate change, and fostering regional cooperation.
- Without a formal mandate from ASEAN leaders, the APG decarbonisation study remains in a preparatory and advocacy stage, even though ACE is prepared and tasked to perform such studies as part of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship.
