ASEAN Centre for Energy: ASEAN Power Grid key to boosting regional energy security

Speaking at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) Executive Datuk Razib Dawood said deeper regional power integration through the APG would enable member states to share resources, optimise generation, and delay costly new infrastructure investments.

“If you have a strong interconnected system with your neighbours, those savings can reduce the cost of energy and strengthen energy security,” Razib said.

“The cost implications of a massive blackout to an economy are huge, but by sharing and working together, these security costs can be managed collectively.” he added.

Razib also noted that renewable energy could also help mitigate the volatility of fossil fuel prices, citing recent spikes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Renewables like solar and wind have no running costs after installation. They offer a way to manage the price fluctuations of oil, gas, and coal,” he added.

Earlier this month, ASEAN energy ministers agreed on a new set of regional energy targets known as the “30-45-40” goals. By 2030, the bloc aims to derive 30% of its total primary energy supply from renewables, achieve 45% of installed power capacity from renewable sources, and reduce energy intensity by 40% compared with 2005 levels.

“These targets give new momentum to our shared goals of energy security, economic growth, and energy transition. As the region electrifies its industries, transport, and manufacturing, we need to move closer together, not apart," Razib said.

He added that a more integrated APG could help achieve these objectives by enabling cross-border electricity trade and resource optimisation.

Razib also emphasised the importance of fair and transparent market mechanisms in facilitating power trade across the region. “

Take Laos, for example, the battery of Southeast Asia. If they sell electricity to their neighbours, they should get the right price for their hydropower resources. The same applies to Vietnam with its wind energy potential,” he explained.

Looking ahead, ACE will oversee the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, which outlines key activities and targets for the next five years. Among its seven strategic programmes, regional interconnection through the ASEAN Power Grid remains the top priority.

Razib said ACE is also finalising regional frameworks for renewable energy certificates and submarine power cables to support greater connectivity and transparency across ASEAN’s energy systems.