Experts advocate for the ASEAN Centre for Energy to investigate low-emission energy solutions for the regional power grid.
The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is currently preparing to conduct a comprehensive study on low-carbon and decarbonisation pathways for the proposed ASEAN Power Grid (APG), but the mandate for this study is contingent on formal authorization from ASEAN leaders.
According to the ACE executive director, Abdul Razib Dawood, the centre has been tasked with progressing the APG, but a formal mandate is still needed to finalize the scenario and pathway studies for optimal decarbonisation. The study is seen as essential for reliable, affordable, and green power for over 670 million people in ASEAN, enabling the utilisation of abundant renewable resources such as hydropower from countries like Lao PDR and Malaysia.
The APG project aims to include industrial hubs, low carbon corridors, the production of electric vehicle batteries, and the production of the core components of the energy system. This decarbonisation study aligns with ASEAN’s broader energy transition efforts under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, which is focused on advancing renewable energy long-term roadmaps and clean energy integration.
Significant funding (over US$100 billion) is anticipated to be needed for the transmission infrastructure, highlighting the importance of careful planning based on ACE’s studies. Experts emphasise that ASEAN must give the mandate to ACE to undertake a thorough study on decarbonisation pathways for the APG so countries can select among various options to achieve low-carbon goals.
Among the more prominent recent examples of established interconnections in the region is the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which carries renewable hydropower from Lao PDR to Singapore. The decarbonisation of the APG is related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7. Energy, 13. Climate, and 17. Partnerships.
John Thwaites, from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Climateworks Australia, highlighted opportunities for economic growth and emission reduction through interconnections in ASEAN. Lisa Sachs believes that an integrated low carbon grid strategy will lead to an incredibly large competitive industrial strategy for the ASEAN region. Woo also highlights the importance of regional agreements allowing the trade in electricity across Southeast Asian countries.
In summary, the ACE is prepared and tasked to study decarbonisation of the APG in 2025 under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. A formal mandate from ASEAN leadership is awaited to proceed comprehensively with scenario planning and pathway analysis for APG decarbonisation. The study is recognised as fundamental for low-carbon pathways for the regional grid connecting multiple ASEAN countries.
- The decarbonisation study by the ACE aligns with ASEAN's broader energy transition efforts, focusing on renewable energy long-term roadmaps and clean energy integration.
- The APG project, which includes industrial hubs and the production of electric vehicle batteries, requires significant funding, around US$100 billion, to build transmission infrastructure.
- An integrated low carbon grid strategy in ASEAN, as led by the APG, could potentially lead to a competitive industrial strategy and opportunities for economic growth.
- The ACE-led study on APG decarbonisation is related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 13, and 17, focusing on energy, climate, and partnerships.
