The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) participated in the 42nd Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and its Associated Meetings, hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR from 24 to 28 June 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.  

As the Chairman of ASEAN for 2024, Lao PDR has successfully convened key stakeholders from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to deliberate on critical energy issues shaping the future of the region. 

This meeting comprised a series of high-level meetings and discussions focusing on pivotal aspects of ASEAN’s energy agenda, including exclusive sessions for ASEAN officials, trilateral cooperation meetings with China, Japan, and South Korea through 23rd SOME+3 Energy Policy Governing Group (EPGG), and collaborative efforts among East Asia Summit (EAS) member states through 29th EAS Energy Cooperation Task Force (ECTF) .  

Significant dialogues also took place with partners such as the 15th SOME-Russia, 25th SOME-METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan), 15th SOME-US (the United States), 2nd ASEAN – EU (European Union) Energy Dialogue, the 15th SOME-IEA (the International Energy Agency), the 6th SOME – IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) , and the 2nd SOME – ADB (Asian Development Bank) Dialogue.  

Additionally, several workshops and focus groups were convened including discussion on the draft of successor agreements/Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) frameworks. 

During the meeting, Dr. Akhomdeth Vongsay, Director General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation of MEM presented the latest developments and achievements towards the 2024 Energy Priority Economic Deliverables (PED/APs). The meeting commended Lao PDR’s leadership in driving these critical energy initiatives and pledged continued support to meet the established targets within the designated timeline. 

The central focus of the discussions was the progress of the ASEAN Plan of Action in Energy Cooperation (APAEC) implementation.  

ACE, led by Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE, presented the progress update on APAEC and the preparations for the new APAEC 2026-2030 during the meeting, sharing insights into the implementation of the APAEC Phase II: 2021-2025 as well as highlighting key advancements and cooperation opportunities. 

The Centre was instrumental in reaffirming the commitment to enhancing energy security, promoting sustainable energy development, and strengthening infrastructure development across ASEAN nations through the implementation of APAEC. Dialogues with external partners also reinforced multilateral cooperation frameworks, ensuring inclusive and sustainable energy transitions within the region. 

The 42nd SOME and its Associated Meetings concluded with a resounding affirmation of ASEAN’s collective determination to navigate complex energy challenges through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships.  

As ASEAN continues to evolve as a pivotal player in the global energy landscape, these engagements underscore the region’s commitment to secured and sustainable energy development and resilient energy systems.