S-E Asia’s energy future won’t wait: EMA chief

[SINGAPORE] The Asean Power Grid (APG) is the most talked-about energy subject of late. From policymakers to investors and academics, there is unquestionable buzz at conferences and boardrooms surrounding how the region can build a super grid for energy resilience and economic integration.

For those unfamiliar, the APG is not a new idea. It was first conceived decades ago with a vision of linking up the power grids in South-east Asia. While there have been efforts to facilitate cross-border power trade, regional countries were more focused on increasing domestic electrification and keeping the power on.

Post-pandemic, the pursuit of the APG has taken on greater urgency. Driven by urbanisation, digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts, power demand in South-east Asia is outpacing global demand growth at 4 per cent annually.