SIEW 2014: ASEAN on the cusp of regional energy interconnectivity
The Singapore Energy Summit kicks off with a session on shaping Asia’s energy connections. Hear what our panellists have to say about the state of energy connections in the region and the challenges that lie ahead.
Dr Phyllis Yoshida, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia, Europe and the Americas, Department of Energy, United States of America, talks about the challenges in developing energy policies.
The panel of speakers at SES Session 1 (L-R): Anthony J. Jude, Tang Kin Fei, Viraphonh Vivavong, Maximus Ongkili, Simon Tay, Loreta G. Ayson, Dr Phyllis Yoshida, Yasuo Ryoki.
By Choo Zu Kai
Southeast Asia is steadily making its way towards regional energy interconnectivity but implementing a consistent legal and regulatory framework remains one of the biggest hurdles, panellists said on Monday at Singapore International Energy Week 2014.
“There are obviously challenges,” said Maximus Ongkili, Malaysia’s minister of energy, green technology and water. “One is the harmonisation of the legal and regulatory framework for bilateral, cross-border power connections.”
Other challenges include the varying levels of technology across Southeast Asia and the alignment of energy policies between the different governments, the panellists told industry executives and government officials on the first day of the 7th annual event. Alignment is particularly complex, they said, with energy policies increasingly interlinked with environment and climate policies.
But signs remain encouraging with successful bilateral collaborations showing the potential cost and energy efficiencies that could be achieved if replicated on a regional level, the panellists said.
Southeast Asia’s rapid economic growth and insatiable demand for energy have given rise to plans for a grid to share power across the borders of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond. Interconnections in the Greater Mekong region – involving Cambodia, China’s Yunan province, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – are already in progress.
Viraphonh Vivavong, vice minister of energy and mines for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, cited the example of how the power trade collaboration between his country and Thailand has reaped mutual benefits. He also suggested exploring an electricity integration project between Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
While progress on power interconnectivity remains slow, the panellists agreed that cooperation among Southeast Asian countries would be the key to success.
“Much remains to be done before we realise our mission of regional interconnectivity,” said Loreta G. Ayson, undersecretary in the Philippine Department of Energy. “But if we remain steadfast in our vision, no matter how small our individual contributions, this will be the ultimate testament to the cooperation of ASEAN countries.”
Watch the full panel session here .
About Singapore International Energy Week (www.siew.gov.sg)
The 7th annual SIEW 2014 is the foremost platform for top policymakers, energy practitioners and commentators to discuss energy issues, strategies and solutions. SIEW brings together a robust line-up of world's leading conferences, exhibitions, roundtables and networking events to provide insights and perspectives on the emerging trends and innovations across the energy spectrum of oil & gas, clean and renewable energy, and energy infrastructure financing – in one week, one location. Please visit www.siew.gov.sg for further information.