JAKARTA: The AseanPower Grid (APG) is a central component of the region’s energy vision, aimed at transforming energy security, resilience and regional integration, said Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn (pic).
In his address at the Asean Energy Reception here on Tuesday (Feb 18), he expressed satisfaction that Malaysia continues to prioritise the APG under its chairmanship in 2025, building on the momentum from the previous years.
"The APG holds immense potential to drive multilateral power trade, accelerate renewable energy integration, and ensure affordable electricity across Asean,” he stated, according to the Asean Secretariat.
Kao emphasised that Asean is committed to advancing the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), focusing on expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting technological innovation.
However, he stressed that the region’s success in these efforts requires collective action, urging governments, industry leaders, investors and research institutions to actively participate in this transformative journey.
He highlighted that the Asean Centre for Energy (ACE) plays a pivotal role in the region’s energy strategy, providing essential research, policy guidance, and collaboration platforms, while strengthening the ACE is crucial to ensuring Asean’s leadership in shaping its energy agenda and priorities.
Kao also announced that former Malaysia Energy Commission chief executive officer Datuk Razib Dawood has been appointed as ACE’s new executive director, effective Feb 1.
Selected from a competitive pool of candidates, Razib’s leadership is expected to drive greater cooperation and innovation, and place Asean at the forefront of the global energy transition.
Earlier, Kao emphasised Asean’s urgent need to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, with advancements in energy storage and smart grid technologies, amid shifting global energy dynamics.
However, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and growing demand from electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and data centres are intensifying pressure on the region’s power infrastructure, heightening the urgency to explore alternatives, including nuclear power.
With Asean’s energy demand expected to more than double by 2040 due to industrial growth, urbanisation, and rising prosperity, he stressed that immediate action is required to ensure energy remains affordable, secure and sustainable for all citizens. - Bernama
