Scaling Regional Grids through Policy and Partnerships
The SIEW Summit panel session on connected grids brought together global energy experts, who presented insights and learnings on how countries can build a reliable and integrated regional power grid while balancing cost, risk and returns.
Prior to the panel discussion, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, Sarawak Government, delivered a keynote highlighting the Energy Market Authority’s conditional approval for Sarawak to export 1GW of renewable energy to the city-state. He also provided an update on the progress in hydroelectric projects, part of the journey towards establishing an interconnected power grid in Borneo.
Li Qizhao, Vice President, China Huaneng Group, highlighted joint projects in Singapore and Cambodia that showcased its expertise in next-generation nuclear, power grid security, offshore wind energy, carbon capture, and high-temperature alloy materials.
Enablers for regional integration: Policy, partnerships and projects
The panel discussion was moderated by Lee McDonough, Director General, Net Zero, Nuclear and International, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), United Kingdom. During the discussion, the panellists shared their insights into how grid interconnectivity can enhance reliability and system resilience for the ASEAN Power Grid, and key lessons that can be drawn from existing projects.
William Goh, Global Head of Renewable Energy, RGE, emphasised the mobilisation of capital as key to achieving an integrated regional power grid. He added that this is dependent on strategic partnerships and a robust cross-border electricity to catalyse new projects.
Mr Goh highlighted the need for clear ownership structures and consensus on financing, construction, operations, and cost recovery to enable “win-win outcomes” in cross-border energy projects, citing RGE’s joint venture with TotalEnergies as an example.
Ong Teng Koon, CEO of Singapore Energy Interconnections (SGEI), agreed, citing that developer confidence in interconnector projects hinges on four factors: regulatory clarity, export licence certainty, a clear regulatory framework model, and commercial certainty.
Why interconnectors are critical to grid stability
Sharing insights from the perspective of a transmission system operator (TSO) and a manufacturer, Veronika Milewski, CEO of RTE International, and Detlev Waimann, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Transmission at Prysmian, underscored the critical role of interconnectors in strengthening energy security and market efficiency.
Both cited incidents of grid interruptions in Europe as powerful reminders of how interconnections can minimise generation losses and enhance the stability of power markets. Ms Milewski pointed to a technical fault in Croatia that split the European grid into two frequency zones, noting that common reserve sharing helped stabilise the system.”
Mr Waimann highlighted the importance of preparedness in managing power generation volatility. He noted that maintaining high availability requires real-time monitoring through sensors, as well as having backup submarine cables and vessels on standby to ensure rapid response and system recovery.
Stay tuned as the conversation evolves throughout the day. Follow @SIEW_sg on Telegram and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest insights.