They warned that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must translate its energy security commitments into projects backed by financing, clear regulations and firm implementation schedules.
At a forum organized by the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) and Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) on Oct. 9, former Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chair Monalisa Dimalanta said the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) must move from planning to implementation.
“The ASEAN Power Grid must move from lines on a map to projects that can be financed and built. A power grid, whether it's regional or local, that exists only on paper will not keep the lights on,” Dimalanta said.
The APG aims to connect electricity networks across ASEAN, allowing member countries to trade electricity, share renewable energy resources and improve power supply reliability.
Dimalanta said ASEAN had made progress in developing frameworks for cross-border electricity trading, submarine cables and grid financing, but implementation timelines remained unclear.
She said each priority project must have a lead sponsor, specific milestones, committed financing and agreed rules on costs, ownership and electricity trading.
Financing challenges
Francisco added that meeting the target would require a predictable pipeline of renewable energy projects, clear investment plans for power grids and guidelines for port infrastructure to support offshore wind development.
She said discussions among ASEAN energy ministers were encouraging, but the real test would be translating regional commitments into actual projects.
Francisco called for concrete action plans and investment commitments, particularly as ASEAN prepares for further regional discussions in November and under subsequent chairships.
“The test is on the delivery,” she said, emphasizing that the region must move beyond discussions on electrification and energy transition toward implementation.
Clear arrangements
Robert Cooke, GRA's grids and electrification advocacy lead, said ASEAN's regional planning and submarine cable frameworks were important steps toward attracting private investment.
However, investors still needed clear regulatory and commercial arrangements covering risk allocation, project revenues and cost recovery.
Southeast Asia is projected to account for nearly one-fifth of global energy demand growth through 2035, underscoring the urgency of reducing the region's dependence on imported fossil fuels and its exposure to volatile energy prices, Cooke said.
He added that fossil fuel importers had paid an additional $1.8 billion a day during the first six months of the energy crisis, placing further pressure on businesses and consumers.
Strengthening the APG is also essential to improving energy security and integrating more renewable energy into the region's electricity networks.
“The ASEAN Power Grid is critical to strengthening the resilience of both the domestic grids of ASEAN Member States and the region as a whole. Expanded and modernized grids are fundamental to integrating greater volumes of renewable energy, whilst enhancing grid flexibility and stability,” Cooke said.
He said the progress was encouraging, but ASEAN must work closely with industry to strengthen regulatory and commercial frameworks and attract the investments needed to implement energy projects at the required pace and scale.
Mixed outcome
Russell Marsh, E3G's regional lead for Southeast Asia on energy transition and climate finance, said ASEAN had the resources to expand solar, wind and hydropower generation.
However, electricity generated in areas rich in renewable energy resources must be transmitted to areas where demand is concentrated, making grid investments essential.
Marsh described the outcome of the ASEAN energy meetings as mixed, noting that ministers reaffirmed their renewable energy commitments while continuing to emphasize fossil fuel supplies and infrastructure.
“In our view, the best way to secure ASEAN's energy supply in the future is to transition away from fossil fuels, and to focus on clean electrification,” he said.
He acknowledged the need to secure fuel supplies during the current energy crisis but cautioned against allowing short-term measures to delay the transition to cleaner energy. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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