ASEAN pressed to turn grid and renewables plans into financed projects

Energy specialists used a forum hosted by the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) on Oct. 9 to press ASEAN to convert its energy security pledges into projects that carry financing, clear rules and fixed delivery dates. Monalisa Dimalanta, former chair of the Energy Regulatory Commission, said the ASEAN Power Grid must advance beyond the planning stage, arguing that a grid existing only as a diagram cannot supply electricity. The APG is intended to link electricity networks across member states so they can trade power, share renewable resources and strengthen supply reliability.

Dimalanta acknowledged that ASEAN has built out frameworks for cross-border electricity trading, submarine cables and grid financing, but said the timelines for actually delivering those projects remain vague. In her view, every priority project needs a designated lead sponsor, defined milestones, committed funding and settled terms on costs, ownership and power trading.

A second forum participant identified as Francisco said hitting the region's renewable targets depends on a predictable pipeline of projects, clear grid investment plans and port infrastructure guidelines that would enable offshore wind development. She described the discussions among ASEAN energy ministers as encouraging while stressing that the decisive measure is whether regional commitments become real projects, calling for concrete action plans and investment pledges. She framed the challenge simply: the test is on delivery.

Robert Cooke, the GRA's grids and electrification advocacy lead, said ASEAN's regional planning and submarine cable work are meaningful steps toward drawing private capital, but investors still need regulatory and commercial terms that spell out risk allocation, project revenues and cost recovery. He noted that Southeast Asia is expected to generate close to one-fifth of global energy demand growth through 2035, which he said sharpens the case for cutting reliance on imported fossil fuels. Cooke added that fuel importers paid an extra $1.8 billion per day during the first half of the energy crisis, a burden that falls on businesses and consumers, and he said the APG is central to making both national grids and the wider region more resilient.

Russell Marsh, E3G's regional lead for Southeast Asia on energy transition and climate finance, said the region has the solar, wind and hydropower resources to expand generation, but that power produced in resource-rich areas has to reach demand centers, making grid spending unavoidable. He characterized the outcome of recent ASEAN energy meetings as mixed, since ministers restated their renewable energy commitments while continuing to highlight fossil fuel supply and infrastructure.

Marsh said transitioning away from fossil fuels and prioritizing clean electrification is the strongest route to future energy security, while conceding that fuel supplies must be secured during the current crisis. He warned against letting short-term fixes push back the shift to cleaner energy. Further regional talks are expected in November and under subsequent ASEAN chairships.