PHNOM PENH: The Cambodia Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), and Lao PDR Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) have established a work group to facilitate cross-border electricity trade to drive the ASEAN Power Grid vision.

According to a press release issued after the meeting early this week, the work group aims to achieve three key outcomes.

First, it will establish a framework to facilitate the development of cross-border electricity trading projects in ASEAN, starting from the project between Lao PDR, Cambodia and Singapore. Second, the work group will facilitate regulatory approvals and licences for the generation, export and import of electricity.

It will also develop principles and frameworks to guide project developers on the application and permit processes for subsea surveys and installation of cross-border subsea power cables. And lastly, the work group will explore ways to facilitate commercial arrangements and the development of generation and transmission infrastructure to allow cross-border electricity trading among the three countries.

The first work group meeting, jointly chaired by Singapore's Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng, Cambodia's Minister for Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak, and Lao PDR's Vice-Minister for Energy and Mines Dr. Chansaveng Boungnong.

In the meeting H.E. Keo Rottanak said Cambodia is delighted to collaborate with Singapore and Lao PDR to advance the ASEAN Power Grid.

“Our combined efforts to deepen regional energy integration and share clean energy efficiently set a strong example. We hope this partnership will encourage other ASEAN nations to join us in building a sustainable and interconnected energy network for the region,” he said.

Dr. Chansaveng Boungnong said this project is an important step for Laos to realise the goal of the ASEAN Power Grid and Laos is excited to be an important part of the regional goals for interconnection.

“Furthermore, it will create opportunities for Lao PDR to increase its invaluable resources in green renewable energy to assist the region to meet its clean energy transition and net-zero goals. We hope this project will be a catalyst in promoting further investment in renewable energy in Lao PDR and the ASEAN Region,” he said.

As the host of the meeting, Dr. Tan See Leng said, “Through the work group, we hope to create a cooperation framework to facilitate cross-border electricity trade projects and coordinate subsea power cable issues in ASEAN. Singapore is pleased to work closely with Laos and Cambodia with whom we have a shared vision on the ASEAN Power Grid. We also encourage more regional partners to join us in this endeavours.”