ASEAN power grid, regional cooperation take spotlight at energy ministers’ meeting—Garin
MANILA—Philippines’ energy chief Sec. Sharon Garin on Wednesday underscored the importance of regional interconnectivity and cooperation to shield the region from global shocks.
During the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting with the theme “Shaping the Energy Future Together through Partnership, Innovation and Resilience”, Garin said recent energy challenges due to geopolitical tensions have underscored the importance of regional cooperation and underscored the relevance of the ASEAN power grid (APG) initiative.
APG aims to create an interconnected ASEAN power grid.
“We meet at the tail end of a consequential year for energy…For ASEAN, this has brought a familiar reality back into focus… Supply chain disruptions thousands of kilometers away can affect our industries, our power systems, and ultimately the household budgets of our people. But this year has also demonstrated the strength we have within ASEAN,” she said.
“Building infrastructure across borders has never been easy, but ASEAN has always been willing to address complex challenges together. Our task is to share risks wisely and create systems founded on mutual trust and shared benefit. Each interconnection represents a commitment by neighboring countries to rely on one another,” she added.
It would involve harmonized policies for cross-border collaboration as well as infrastructure development, including subsea systems. She said ASEAN members have been working to advance regional planning and the development of a framework for submarine power cables.
According to the Department of Energy, ASEAN members are working to operationalize an enhanced memorandum of understanding on the APG. At the same time, the Lao PDR–Thailand– Malaysia–Singapore Power Integration Project and the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines Power Interconnection Project continue to move forward.
But Garin admits that building the infrastructure for the ASEAN power grid also entails substantial financing.
“ASEAN cannot build the energy system of the future through public resources alone…The scale of investment required demands deeper cooperation with industry, financial institutions, dialogue partners, development partners, and international organizations,” she said.
Partners and organizations including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) can also contribute technology, expertise, capital, and experience, the Philippines’ energy chief said.
Garin added the region has “substantial renewable energy resources” and that greater connectivity would allow member states to benefit from each other’s strengths. This can also help address immediate energy challenges.
The 44th AMEM hosted by the Philippines coincides with the first year of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026-2030, also known as the region’s “blueprint” for the region’s future of energy security.
“The frameworks are taking shape. Projects are advancing. The institutions that support our cooperation are becoming stronger. The true measure of our progress, however, will be what ASEAN is able to build from here: an ASEAN with stronger energy security; an ASEAN whose grids and markets are increasingly connected; an ASEAN that can draw more deeply from the energy resources within our region; and an ASEAN where Member States know that when circumstances become difficult, they do not face them alone,” Garin said.
The energy chief also highlighted the importance of strengthening preparedness and the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement or APSA.
“When global supply is disrupted, ASEAN should have mechanisms that allow us to coordinate quickly and support one another effectively,” she said.
AMEM is being held in Manila, Philippines from Oct. 6 to Oct. 8, 2026.