Statistics on Growth, Energy, and Bilateral Trade in the Greater Mekong Subregion (Third Edition)
The third edition of the Greater Mekong Subregion Statistics booklet includes two new chapters: the Energy Sector and Bilateral Trade.
Energy
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)
Contact Persons
Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank
- Hyunjung Lee (lead)
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Atsumasa Sakai
Sustainable Infrastructure Division,
East Asia Department
Concerned Staff & Consultants
- Joao Aleluia
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Architrandi Priambodo
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Minnie Zarah Ramas
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Jeffrey Almera
Energy Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Pinsuda Alexander
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department - Rafaelita Jamon
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat
Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.
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.
Renewable energy sources are gaining momentum in Cambodia and other countries in Southeast Asia. Photo: ADB.
ADB Backs Sunseap to Build Cambodia's First Large-Scale Solar Farm
SINGAPORE (25 April 2017) — The Asian Development Bank has backed Singapore’s Sunseap Group’s project to build Cambodia’s first large-scale solar power project under a long-term agreement with Electricité Du Cambodge.
Steady access to electricity improved services at the Ta Phem Health Center, leading to a 20-fold increase in patients. Photo: ADB.
In Cambodia, Improved Access to Affordable Electricity Helps Save Lives
New transmission lines bring cheaper electricity from the Viet Nam border to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital.
21st Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-21)
This is the summary of proceedings from the 21st Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-21) and the meetings of the Working Group on Performance Standards and Grid Codes and Working Group on Regulatory Issues held on 8–9 December 2016 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
20th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-20)
This is the summary of proceedings from the 20th meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee on 27–28 June 2016 in Phu Quoc Island, Viet Nam.
Greater Mekong Subregion Energy Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
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.
19th Meeting of the GMS Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-19)
The GMS countries convened the 19th meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-19) on 16–17 November in Bangkok, Thailand.
18th Meeting of the GMS Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-18)
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;
How Strategic Environmental Assessment Can Influence Power Development Plans: Comparing Alternative Energy Scenarios for Power Planning in the Greater Mekong Subregion
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.
