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.
This is the summary of discussions at the 10th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-10) in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 25 to 27 May 2011.
This paper summarizes the proceedings of the Fifth Meeting of the Subregional Energy Forum (SEF) in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, on 11 November 2011.
The Tenth Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee meeting (RPTCC-10) was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 25-27 May 2011.
This is the summary of discussions at the 9th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-9) and 4th Meeting of the Subregional Energy Forum (SEF-4) in Shenzhen, the Peoples’ Republic of China on 26 to 27 October 2010.
This is the summary of discussions at the Special Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-9A) in Bangkok, Thailand on 14 to 15 December 2010.
These were the documents produced under the ADB regional project 41018-012: Facilitating Regional Power Trading and Environmentally Sustainable Development of Electricity Infrastructure in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Though a hydropower project relocated villagers, it also brought electricity, roads, and schools to a remote valley.
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).