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.
The Third Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-3) was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 7-8 April. The Meeting was co-organized by the Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts (MIH) of Lao PDR and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The Fourth Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-4) was held in Yangon, Myanmar on 21-22 September 2005. The Meeting was co-organized by the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) of the Union of Myanmar and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The Third Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-3) was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 7-8 April. The meeting was co-organized by the Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts (MIH) of Lao PDR and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The RPTCC-3 meeting discussed the following:
The 2nd Meeting of the GMS Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 1-2 December 2004.
The Second Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-2) was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 1-2 December. The Meeting was co-organized by the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), Ministry of Energy (MOE) of the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The first meeting of the GMS Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee was held in Guilin in the People's Republic of China on 13-14 July 2004.
The First Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-1) was held in Guilin, PRC on 13-14 July 2004. The Meeting was co-organized by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and China Southern Power Grid Co. (CSG) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).