Asean needs common platform for regional power grid, says Abang Jo

 The Sarawak premier says the bloc still does not have a clear implementation framework, especially for cross-border interconnection.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak is taking a proactive approach through bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries. (Ukas pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Asean needs a common platform and framework agreed upon by all member states to realise the implementation of the Asean Power Grid, says Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.

He said the regional bloc still lacks a clear implementation framework, especially regarding cross-border interconnection.

“Asean really want to establish the power grid, but from the discussions I see no concrete framework or consensus on interconnection,” Bernama reported him as saying after the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition in Kuching today.

Abang Johari said Sarawak is taking a proactive approach through bilateral ties with several neighbouring countries in preparation for regional energy integration.

He said Sarawak currently supplies energy to West Kalimantan and has equity involvement in East Kalimantan through Sarawak Energy Bhd. It is also expanding supply to Sabah, which could potentially be connected to the Philippines in the future.

“Discussions are also under way to supply energy to Brunei, while electricity exports to Singapore are awaiting a decision on the cable route.

“These are currently bilateral agreements between countries, but in the future, they will be part of a regional grid network,” he said.

Abang Johari also suggested that Asean examine the model adopted by the European Union (EU) in managing and coordinating the regional energy system.

“We don’t need to recreate it. Let’s look at how the EU manages its energy and we can adapt it according to Asean’s needs,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak remained committed to the target of 10 gigawatts (GW) of energy generation capacity by 2030, with current domestic consumption estimated at around 6-7GW, thus creating surplus capacity for export purposes. - FMT