Energy

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4th GMS Energy Transition Task Force Meeting

The 4th GMS Energy Transition Task Force Meeting (ETTF-4) was held on 11 December 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Held on the sidelines of back-to-back events on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), the 4th ETTF Meeting discussed GMS country and regional updates related to energy transition, plans on regional power trade and demand side management, ETTF work streams, and development partner support for the GMS energy program.

 

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

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

Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat. 

The technical assistance covers the preparation of energy projects in Southeast Asia, such as developing priority power interconnections for cross-border trade of electricity in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Photo: ADB.

ADB Supports Energy Investment Planning in Southeast Asia

The Asian Development Bank has approved technical assistance for energy projects in Southeast Asia, including the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Power Trade and Distribution Project.

ADB's financing will support B.Grimm Power’s implementation of the ASEAN Distributed Power Project, which will expand renewable and distributed power generation into new markets in Southeast Asia. Five countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion—Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam—are members of ASEAN. Photo: ADB.

ADB, B.Grimm Power Expand Support for Renewable Energy in ASEAN

BANGKOK, THAILAND (23 February 2018) — The Asian Development Bank signed a loan equivalent of up to $235 million with B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, one of the largest power producers in Thailand, to develop and enhance renewable energy capacity in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Deputy Director General of ADB's Private Sector Operations Department Christopher Thieme (left) and China Everbright CEO Wang Tianyi (right) after the signing. Photo: ADB.

ADB, China Everbright International Facilitate Clean Waste-to-Energy PPP in Viet Nam

HONG KONG, CHINA (2 February 2018) — The Asian Development Bank today signed a $100 million loan facility agreement with China Everbright International Limited to help a series of municipal waste-to-energy plants in primary and secondary cities in the Mekong Delta.  

Regulatory and institutional reforms are needed to make infrastructure more attractive to private investors and generate a pipeline of bankable projects for public–private partnerships. Photo: ADB.

Mobilizing Private Capital for Infrastructure in the Greater Mekong Subregion 

Mekong governments need to create an enabling environment for public-private partnerships in infrastructure. Here are 4 ways to get the job done.

ADB to Partner with Cambodia to Launch National Solar Park Program

The 100 megawatt solar power park program will be implemented in two phases, the first phase is around 30 MW to be followed by a second phase of 70 MW. Photo: ADB.

ADB to Partner with Cambodia to Launch National Solar Park Program

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (27 June 2017) — The Asian Development Bank is supporting Electricite Du Cambodge in setting up a national solar park program to exploit Cambodia’s abundant solar resources through a transaction advisory agreement.