ASTANA (Kazakhstan): Malaysia is optimistic of signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Laos and Thailand for the Asean Power Grid in September this year, in line with the move to strengthen energy supply.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the pilot project, expected to begin in January 2018, would open up a lot of opportunities for Malaysia to source renewable energy (RE) from neighbouring countries.
“We are optimistic that the PPAs, part of the Asean Power Grid Initiative, will be sealed in September this year.
“A few of the old coal-fired power plants can cease operations in the next 30 years, providing an opportunity for other RE,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysia Energy Forum in Astana on Tuesday.
The Asean Power Grid is a power network that connects the national grids of all Asean countries to ensure energy security, greater utilisation of shared resources among member countries and making electricity cheaper for people.
Ongkili, a forum panellist, earlier said Asean as a region must continue to strengthen regional cooperation, especially in sharing best practices in energy development and utilisation, to increase its effectiveness in facing global challenges.
“In 2013, electricity produced by Asean from RE sources accounted for about 21% of the region’s total generation,” he added.
The Malaysia Energy Forum is one of many programmes organised by Malaysia at the Astana Expo 2017 to showcase the nation’s emerging market leadership in green growth. - Bernama
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