The 41st Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting took place in Indonesia on August 26.- Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): During the 41st Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) held in Bali, Indonesia, the bloc renewed its dedication to sustainable energy security through enhanced connectivity.
This objective is tempered, however, by the prevailing stability and resiliency obstacles brought about by global supply limitations, geopolitical tensions, and the need for economic resurgence.
The occasion underscored Indonesia’s 2023 chairmanship theme, “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, reflecting the commitment to fortify Asean’s capacity as a driving force for economic progress.
Acknowledging the post-2025 Vision for the Asean community, which seeks to confront forthcoming challenges and trends over a 20-year span, the ministers highlighted the imperative role of Asean energy interconnectivity.
This integration is vital in realising the UN 2030 sustainable development agenda, notably Goal 7, which entails expanding infrastructure and technology to provide modern and environmentally conscious services worldwide.
Power and market integration within Asean were also recognised as essential drivers for cooperative solutions.
Advancements in the ASEAN grid were acknowledged, particularly the “Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore power integration project”, which represents a significant step towards regional linkage. Bilateral power exchanges for eight Asean member states were also commended.
The meeting highlighted as well the importance of natural gas in achieving a balanced energy plan. Ensuring accessibility to liquefied gas supplies was emphasised, enabling ASEAN to tap into indigenous energy resources and bolster supply resilience.
The significance of established agreements such as the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Asean power grid, the trans-Asean gas pipeline, and the ASEAN petroleum security agreement were stressed. These arrangements, alongside ongoing cooperation, play a pivotal role in regional emergency response.
In the pursuit of energy transition, the ministers declared their intent to progress in accordance with their respective national and regional capabilities.
Their aim is to ensure just and inclusive power transmission while upholding principles of security, reliability, accessibility, sustainability, resiliency and affordability. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
