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.
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.
See initiatives of the GMS Energy Transition Task Force to promote energy security in the subregion in a sustainable manner.
Related
Key Energy Resources
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.
This energy sector assessment, strategy, and road map documents the current assessment and strategic investment priorities of ADB and the governments of the Greater Mekong Subregion countries in the energy sector.
The GMS countries convened the 19th meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-19) on 16–17 November in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 18th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-18) was held to (i) provide updates on the status of the Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC) headquarters hosting issue;
Strategic environmental assessments may be used to compare different energy scenarios, and a more sustainable power plan can be developed by incorporating the wider impacts considered during the assessment process.
Sustainable development encompasses environment, social, and economic dimensions and a wide range of possible indicators could measure the changes in the degree of protection against danger, damage, or loss.
Renewable energy is a challenge, but also an opportunity for new industries, employment, and new ways to reduce dependency on fuel imports, provide electricity to poor remote areas, reduce air pollution, and provide a healthier environment.
Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency generate benefits to society as a whole that cannot be fully reflected in investment returns, leading thereby to underinvestment by the private sector.
Greater gains in energy savings are possible from improved energy efficiency and conservation measures, both as a smart business investment, and an imperative for the global community.
Better cross-border transportation and electricity links are central pillars of both the Greater Mekong Subregion program and Asian Development Bank's work in support of Cambodia's development.
The 17th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-17) was held to (i) discuss the progress on the bids for the venue for the headquarters of the Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC) which will serve as a permanent institution to enhance regional power trade and implement regional power interconnection in the GMS; (ii) provide updates on the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries’ power development plans focusing on cross-border projects; (iii) discuss the assistance of development partners to support RPTCC activities; (iv) consider the draft report on the GMS
Greater Mekong Subregion Secretariat
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department, Asian Development Bank
Address: 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 8632 4444 Fax: +63 2 8636 2226