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.
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 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
Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (9 July 2010) - The Asian Development Bank will invest $15 million to support clean energy projects in the Greater Mekong Subregion and South Asia through the Mekong Brahmaputra Clean Development Fund.
This study aims to provide a preliminary assessment of the long-term commercial viability of a biofuel program in Viet Nam.
This study is one of the first steps to improve understanding of the impacts of biofuel development on agriculture and economy, with specific focus on the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
This is the summary of discussions at the 7th Meeting of the Planning Working Group (PWG-7), 8th Meeting of the Focal Group (FG-8), and 8th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-8) in Luang Prabang, Lao People's Democratic Republic on 25 to 27 November 2009.
This road map for expanded cooperation in the energy sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion takes into account GMS Strategic Framework 2002-2012 and the need for improved energy security, better utilization of energy resources, and mutually beneficial energy trade, to meet national and regional energy needs in a sustainable manner.
Developing the energy sector will help realize an integrated and prosperous Mekong subregion.
The SEF-3 meeting was held primarily to jumpstart the implementation of the GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation, which was endorsed at the 15th GMS Ministerial Meeting held in Thailand in June 2009.
The Special SEF meeting was held to refine and finalize the GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation, for endorsing it to the 15th GMS Ministerial Meeting to be held in Thailand in June 2009. Formulated in line with the recommendations of the recently completed GMS Energy Strategy Study, the Road Map was earlier presented at the SEF meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam and at the GMS Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) in Bangkok, Thailand, both held in November 2008. These meetings agreed to further review and hold internal consultations on the Road Map.
The PWG-6 meeting will revisit/ review the results and accomplishments under the regional technical assistance project (RETA) 6304 (Regional Power Trade Coordination and Development), particularly in the areas of training, database/ website development, master plan study, and studies on performance standards and transmission regulation.