ASEAN is one of the most critical players in the global effort to combat climate change with most of its member countries have pledged to net zero or carbon neutrality by 2050, 2060, or 2070. As a region that boasts a rapidly growing population and economy, ASEAN holds a significant share of the world’s energy consumption, which, if not addressed strategically, could have profound implications for global greenhouse gas emissions. In light of these challenges, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is supporting Malaysia’s Pavilion to facilitate discussions and actions that will accelerate the region’s transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon, and resilient energy future.

During the COP28, ACE had the opportunity to participate in several of the Malaysian Pavilion sessions talking about the ASEAN region and their progress towards achieving the net-zero targets. Collaborating with experts in climate change and energy transition, ACE facilitated several sessions, specifically on Energy Transition and ASEAN Power Grid Initiative.

Malaysian Pavilion Session on Energy Transition

The hour-long discussion at the recent COP28 in Dubai, moderated by Monika Merdekawati, Research Analyst of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy (SRE) Department of ACE, brought together prominent figures from the energy sector to delve into the critical aspects of ASEAN’s journey towards achieving a net-zero emissions pathway.

The panel discussion featured experts offering insights on strategies and opportunities to expedite the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, resilient energy future and encapsulated ASEAN’s multifaceted challenges and opportunities in pursuing a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. The panellists collectively underscored the significance of regional collaboration, policy innovation, and private-sector engagement. The urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, coupled with a coordinated approach and knowledge-sharing, emerged as crucial components for ASEAN’s success in achieving its net-zero emissions targets. The event not only provided a platform for dialogue but also laid the foundation for collaborative actions that can contribute significantly to global climate mitigation efforts and foster economic development and energy security within the region.

Malaysian Pavilion Session on the ASEAN Power Grid Initiative

On the other hand, Nadhilah Shani, Senior Research Analyst in the Power Department of ACE, also led the discussion on ASEAN Power Grid: The Impetus and Opportunities for a Just Energy and Climate Transition in the ASEAN Region. Throughout the discussion, Shani pointed out the urgent needs of ASEAN for establishing regulation and improving green investment with economic consideration in the power sector, along with Dato’ Ir. Ts. Abdul Rasib Dawood, CEO of the Energy Commission, who highlighted the importance of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in developing the roadmap.

Taking place at COP28, the discussion highlighted key aspects of the ASEAN Power Grid Initiative, emphasising the need for an overseeing entity to govern and regulate interconnection initiatives for achieving net-zero solutions within the ASEAN region. The LTMS-PIP emerges as a noteworthy initiative for fostering multilateral power trade, playing a pivotal role in shaping ASEAN’s future in sub-regional interconnection. Notably, TNB and EGAT have successfully concluded a study aimed at enhancing a 1.5 GW interconnection, thereby bolstering the transmission of green electrons throughout ASEAN. Ongoing feasibility studies are addressing the potential Malaysia-Singapore link. In essence, the ASEAN Power Grid represents more than just a power infrastructure; rather, it embodies a thoughtful commitment to a greener, economically vibrant, and net-zero ASEAN.