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. 

ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa visits the National Solar Park on 11 November. Photo by ADB.

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Power lines in Lao PDR. Photo by Ariel Javellana/ADB.

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Lao PDR Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Cambodia Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn. Photo by Lao PDR Foreign Ministry

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The 73-megawatt Lopburi Solar Farm is the largest solar photovoltaic project in the world. It is integral to Thailand's efforts to generate energy from renewable sources. Photo by ADB.

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