Regional energy authorities should examine low-emission energy alternatives for the ASEAN power grid, according to industry experts.
The Asean Centre for Energy (ACE) has been tasked with achieving a breakthrough on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) this year and conducting decarbonisation studies. However, the Centre is still awaiting a formal mandate from ASEAN leaders to complete comprehensive scenario planning for the APG's decarbonisation pathways [1].
Experts stress the importance of explicitly mandating the Centre to analyse low-carbon options and decarbonisation pathways for the interconnected regional power grid. The APG aims to connect the power systems of Southeast Asian countries, improving energy security and accelerating decarbonization by maximizing regional renewable energy sources [2].
The APG's decarbonisation is a high priority to meet the region's growing electricity demand sustainably by leveraging low-carbon resources regionally. ACE's current initiatives include aligning renewable energy roadmaps and frameworks supporting decarbonisation [4].
The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project is an example of established interconnections in the ASEAN region, transporting renewable hydropower from Lao PDR to Singapore. Building more transmission lines for the ASEAN Power Grid will require significant investment, estimated at least US$100 billion [3].
Regional agreements allowing the trade in electricity across Southeast Asian countries are crucial, according to experts. The ASEAN region's decarbonisation efforts align with its goals of economic growth and increased energy supply. Most ASEAN countries aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, with some considering bringing forward their deadlines [3].
Indonesia plans to achieve net zero by 2065, while Thailand is aiming for 2050. The main project that ASEAN needs to realise is the interconnected grid as the backbone of an integrated energy system. This includes the production of electric vehicle batteries and the production of the core components of the energy system [5].
The ASEAN Power Grid is a key part of this integrated energy system. Experts believe that an integrated low-carbon grid is crucial for a competitive industrial strategy in the ASEAN region. Achieving decarbonisation in the ASEAN region's energy sector could be the cheapest way if ASEAN countries work together as a group [6].
The ACE is focused on advancing ASEAN's Renewable Energy Long-term Roadmap this year. The Centre, an intergovernmental organisation that serves as an energy think tank for Southeast Asian countries, is also working on studies regarding the APG's decarbonisation pathways [1][4].
Recent videos on LinkedIn and Instagram platforms feature experts discussing what ASEAN needs to do to decarbonise its power grid. The potential benefits of a successful APG decarbonisation project extend beyond the region, serving as a model for other global power grid decarbonisation efforts.
[1] ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) Press Release, 2025 [2] ASEAN Power Grid Factsheet, ASEAN Secretariat, 2022 [3] ASEAN Energy Outlook 2020, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) [4] ASEAN Renewable Energy Long-term Roadmap, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) [5] ASEAN Energy Ministers Meeting Joint Press Statement, 2024 [6] Expert Opinion: Decarbonising ASEAN's Power Grid, ASEAN Economic Bulletin, 2025
- The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is tasked with conducting studies on decarbonisation pathways for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), aiming to achieve a breakthrough this year.
- Experts highlight the necessity of analyzing low-carbon options for the APG, as it aims to connect regional power systems and maximize renewable energy sources, thus improving energy security and accelerating decarbonization.
- To meet the region's growing electricity demand sustainably, decarbonization of the APG is a high priority, and ACE's current initiatives include aligning renewable energy roadmaps and frameworks supporting decarbonization.
- With most ASEAN countries aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, an integrated low-carbon grid such as the APG is crucial for a competitive industrial strategy in the ASEAN region and could potentially be the cheapest way for ASEAN countries to decarbonize their energy sector if they work together as a group.
