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New energy solutions are crucial to developing the Greater Mekong Subregion, where power demand is surging. These include improving energy efficiency and cross-border power trading. The Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) manages regional power trade in the subregion.

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Greater Mekong Subregion countries are in varying stages of economic development, but they share common goals concerning energy security and environmental protection. Some have made significant progress in promoting renewable energy, clean fuels, and energy efficiency. 

New energy solutions are crucial to the subregion’s advancement. Demand for energy is surging, and by some estimates demand for energy in the lower Mekong countries – Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam – is expected to nearly triple from 317 terawatt-hours in 2012 to 815 terawatt-hours in 2025.

Their rapidly improving economies have allowed GMS countries to respond to this demand with extensive power generation projects. Gas-fired plants are expected to nearly double to about 54 plants with 24,000 megawatts during the same period. Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are not yet prevalent in the subregion, but the number of projects is increasing rapidly. 

GMS countries are addressing the complexities of meeting this surging energy demand by taking a regional approach that allows for the most cost-efficient projects using a diverse range of energy sources.They are also sharing experiences and lessons learned.

Countries are enhancing the regional coordination of power trading, including the exchange of information on energy sector plans and projects. The ultimate goal is to provide an adequate supply of energy throughout the subregion at an affordable price, and to bring the economic benefits of a reliable energy supply to people in rural areas, while at the same time encouraging investment.

The GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030) will emphasize cross-border power trade, establishing regional grid codes, developing regional markets, and expanding clean energy investments with a greater role for the private sector. GMS-2030, endorsed and adopted at the 7th GMS Summit of Leaders in September 2021, aims to provide a new setting for the development of this subregion for the next decade.

Works are underway for greater integration of renewable energies in countries’ energy development. In July 2021, an ADB knowledge and support TA: Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition in Southeast Asia (SEA) was approved to support countries in SEA to accelerate transition to cleaner forms of energy.

The GMS Road Map for Expanded Cooperation in the Energy Sector is helping to guide efforts in planning and implementing projects for power generation, cross-border interconnections, and for improving country transmission systems. National projects are being developed with an eye toward the development of regional power trade arrangements that will increase efficiency and lower energy costs for consumers.

Related

• GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation

• Update of the GMS Regional Master Plan

• Study: Building a Sustainable Energy Future - The Greater Mekong Subregion

• Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC)

Contact Persons

Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank

  • Pradeep Tharakan (lead)
    Energy Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Duy-Thanh Bui
    Energy Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Atsumasa Sakai
    Sustainable Infrastructure Division,
    East Asia Department

Other Concerned Staff & Consultants

  • Hyunjung Lee
    Energy Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Minnie Zarah Ramas
    Energy Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Jeffrey Almera
    Energy Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Pinsuda Alexander
    Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
    Southeast Asia Department
  • Rafaelita Jamon
    Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
    Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat

Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.

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