Energy

Greater Mekong Subregion countries are in varying stages of economic development but share common goals concerning energy security and environmental protection. Progress have been made in promoting renewable energy, clean fuels, and energy efficiency, but new energy solutions remain crucial to the subregion’s advancement.

The GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030) emphasizes cross-border power trade, establishment of regional grid codes, development of regional markets, and expanding clean energy investments with a greater role for the private sector.

The Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) managed regional power trade in the subregion from 2004–2022. In July 2022, at the 29th RPTCC meeting, the committee formally transitioned to the GMS Energy Transition Taskforce (ETTF). Among other things, the transition to ETTF ushers in closer energy cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its initiatives, such as the ASEAN Power Grid.

 

New Energy Solutions Needed for the GMS

 

Energy consumption in the GMS countries has grown intensively as their economies develop, driven mostly by residential and industrial sectors. Demand is forecasted to increase materially over the medium term.

GMS countries have used different approaches to increase access to reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy.

  • Power generation. Coal and gas remain prominent in installed capacity, but there is a diverse, complementary, and growing mix of renewables across GMS countries. Focus on specific types of renewables varies based on each country’s natural resource endowment but hydropower is fundamental to the subregion. In July 2021, ADB approved a technical assistance to support countries in Southeast Asia to accelerate transition to clean energy.
  • Power sector planning. Key themes that have emerged in the recent power development plans of GMS countries include the following: (i) development of grid infrastructure, battery energy storage system (BESS) and pumped storage hydropower; (ii) resource-oriented supply build-out; (iii) renewable-enabling policies and (iv) electric vehicle targets and planning.
  • Regional cooperation.Through the GMS platform, cooperation with ASEAN and other avenues for energy cooperation, GMS countries are working together to meet the subregion’s demand for new energy solutions. They share knowledge, experiences and lessons learned, and pursue initiatives that enhance and overcome challenges to cross-border electricity trade.

 

See initiatives of the GMS Energy Transition Task Force to promote energy security in the subregion in a sustainable manner.

 

Related

 

Key Energy Resources

 


Contact Persons

Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank

  • Hyunjung Lee (lead) 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Atsumasa Sakai 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

Other Concerned Staff & Consultants

  • Joao Aleluia 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Architrandi Priambodo 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Jeffrey Almera 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Pinsuda Alexander 
    Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
    Southeast Asia Department 

  • Rafaelita Jamon 
    Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
    Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat 

Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat



3rd Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Energy Transition Task Force (ETTF-3)

The 3rd Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Energy Transition Task Force (ETTF-3) took place in Manila on 5─6 June 2024 in a hybrid format. Following ETTF-3, a workshop on electricity market principles was held on 7 June, co-organized by the Asian Development Bank and the ADB Institute, in collaboration with Standford University.

 




Electric vehicle adoption into the public transport sector is apowerful game changer that can help to cut emissions at densely populated urban centres right across the region.

ADB, BANPU Sign 2.4 Billion Thai Baht Deal to Support Electric Tuktuks in Thailand and Battery Production in PRC

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and BANPU Public Company Limited signed a 2.4 billion baht loan to support the financing of 1,500 six-seater electric tuktuks (e-tuktuks) and related charging stations for micro-scale transit services in Bangkok, Thailand. 




ADB will support the development and operation of solar photovoltaic systems located on the rooftops of commercial and industrial businesses across Viet Nam. Photo courtesy of GreenYellow.

ADB, GreenYellow Sign Deal for Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar in Viet Nam

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and GreenYellow Smart Solutions Vietnam Co., Ltd. (GreenYellow), have signed a loan agreement of up to $13.8 million for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar systems to help increase the supply of clean and affordable energy for commercial and industrial consumers in Viet Nam. 



The Lotus Wind Power Project deployed by the Asian Development Bank in Viet Nam. Photo by ADB.

Feasibility Studies for Wind Farm for the Subregion to be Conducted in Lao PDR’s Savannakhet

Agreements for feasibility studies for (i) a planned wind farm and (ii) a 500 kV substation for electricity transmission in Savannakhet, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), was signed by representatives from Lao PDR Ministry of Planning and Investment, NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment (a Lao PDR firm), and UPC Renewable Energy. UPC Renewable Energy and NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment will cooperate on the feasibility study.