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 Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030) will emphasize cross-border power trade, establishing regional grid codes, developing regional markets, and expanding clean energy investments with a greater role for the private sector. GMS-2030, endorsed and adopted at the 7th GMS Summit of Leaders in September 2021, aims to provide a new setting for the development of this subregion for the next decade.
Works are underway for greater integration of renewable energies in countries’ energy development. In July 2021, an ADB knowledge and support TA: Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition in Southeast Asia (SEA) was approved to support countries in SEA to accelerate transition to cleaner forms of energy.
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
• Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC)
Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have identified 19 priority infrastructure projects to enhance regional connectivity and mobilize investments. Fifteen of the projects are in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
A transition to clean energy such as solar can help Cambodia address some of its development challenges.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (24 May 2019) — The Asian Development Bank has approved a $7.64 million loan to support the construction of a 100-megawatt solar power park in Cambodia, which will help the country develop renewable energy resources, diversify its energy mix, and improve the competitiveness of its economy.
Viet Nam has switched on a 330-megawatt solar farm in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan, which makes it one of the largest solar farms in Southeast Asia. It is expected to generate 545 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
This is the summary of proceedings from the 25th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-25) on 20 to 22 March 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.
A grant from the Global Environment Facility will help the People's Republic of China pilot distributed renewable energy technologies.
Korean firm SK Innovation has found another oil field in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Basin in southern Viet Nam.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has signed an agreement with Electricité du Cambodge to sell 200 megawatts of electricity to Cambodia until 2021.
Quang Tri province is gearing up to become a center for energy production in the north central coastal region of Viet Nam. It recently approved the development of four 30-megawatt wind power plants worth more than $200 million.
This publication shows how strategic environmental assessments can help the Greater Mekong Subregion countries create sustainable national power development plans.
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
