Greater Mekong Subregion countries are in varying stages of economic development but share common goals concerning energy security and environmental protection. Progress have been made in promoting renewable energy, clean fuels, and energy efficiency, but new energy solutions remain crucial to the subregion’s advancement.
The GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030) emphasizes cross-border power trade, establishment of regional grid codes, development of regional markets, and expanding clean energy investments with a greater role for the private sector. GMS-2030, endorsed and adopted at the 7th GMS Summit of Leaders in September 2021, aims to provide a new setting for the development of this subregion for the next decade.
The Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) managed regional power trade in the subregion from 2004–2022. In July 2022, at the 29th RPTCC meeting, the committee formally transitioned to the GMS Energy Transition Taskforce (ETTF).
The ETTF pursues activities across the following workstreams:
Demand for energy is surging, and by some estimates demand for energy in the lower Mekong countries – Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam – is expected to nearly triple from 317 terawatt-hours in 2012 to 815 terawatt-hours in 2025.
Rapidly improving economies have allowed GMS countries to respond to this demand with extensive power generation projects. Gas-fired plants are expected to nearly double to about 54 plants with 24,000 megawatts during the same period. Renewable sources such as solar, wind, and biomass are not yet prevalent in the subregion, but the number of projects is increasing rapidly.
GMS countries are addressing the complexities of meeting this surging energy demand by taking a regional approach that allows for the most cost-efficient projects using a diverse range of energy sources. They are also sharing experiences and lessons learned.
Countries are enhancing the regional coordination of power trading, including the exchange of information on energy sector plans and projects. The ultimate goal is to provide an adequate supply of energy throughout the subregion at an affordable price, and to bring the economic benefits of a reliable energy supply to people in rural areas, while at the same time encouraging investment.
GMS countries are addressing the complexities of meeting this surging energy demand by taking a regional approach that allows for the most cost-efficient projects using a diverse range of energy sources.They are also sharing experiences and lessons learned.
Works are underway for greater integration of renewable energies in countries’ energy development. In July 2021, an ADB knowledge and support TA: Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition in Southeast Asia (SEA) was approved to support countries in SEA to accelerate transition to cleaner forms of energy.
Facilitating Power Trade in the Greater Mekong Subregion, published in 2022, reflects a 5-year endeavor among government officials and representatives from utilities with the support of international experts to reach an agreement on a range of complex technical and institutional issues in establishing a common Regional Grid Code (RGC) for the GMS. The report addresses the technical and operational issues of interconnections along with the steps that are required to harmonize national grid codes within an overarching regional structure of the RGC.
The GMS Road Map for Expanded Cooperation in the Energy Sector is helping guide efforts in planning and implementing projects for power generation, cross-border interconnections, and for improving country transmission systems. National projects are being developed with an eye toward the development of regional power trade arrangements that will increase efficiency and lower energy costs for consumers.
The Update of the GMS Regional Master Plan for the period 2009-2025 (i) simulated the regional power system with existing and potential planned power interconnections, (ii) ran simulations of the model for a variety of regional power system scenarios, (iii) identified the potentially beneficial regional interconnection projects based on the Master Plan, and (iv) compiled a list of priority projects according to their merits.
Related
• Facilitating Power Trade in the Greater Mekong Subregion
• GMS Road Map for Expanded Energy Cooperation
• Update of the GMS Regional Master Plan
• Study: Building a Sustainable Energy Future - The Greater Mekong Subregion
• Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC)
Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank
Hyunjung Lee (lead)
Energy Sector Office
Sectors Group
Atsumasa Sakai
Energy Sector Office
Sectors Group
Other Concerned Staff & Consultants
Joao Aleluia
Energy Sector Office
Sectors Group
Architrandi Priambodo
Energy Sector Office
Sectors Group
Minnie Zarah Ramas
Energy Sector Office
Sectors Group
Jeffrey Almera
Energy Sector Office
Sectors Group
Pinsuda Alexander
Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
Southeast Asia Department
Rafaelita Jamon
Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat
Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat.
Steady access to electricity improved services at the Ta Phem Health Center, leading to a 20-fold increase in patients. Photo: ADB.
New transmission lines bring cheaper electricity from the Viet Nam border to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital.
This is the summary of proceedings from the 21st Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-21) and the meetings of the Working Group on Performance Standards and Grid Codes and Working Group on Regulatory Issues held on 8–9 December 2016 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
This is the summary of proceedings from the 20th meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee on 27–28 June 2016 in Phu Quoc Island, Viet Nam.
This energy sector assessment, strategy, and road map documents the current assessment and strategic investment priorities of ADB and the governments of the Greater Mekong Subregion countries in the energy sector.
The GMS countries convened the 19th meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-19) on 16–17 November in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 18th Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-18) was held to (i) provide updates on the status of the Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC) headquarters hosting issue;
Strategic environmental assessments may be used to compare different energy scenarios, and a more sustainable power plan can be developed by incorporating the wider impacts considered during the assessment process.
Sustainable development encompasses environment, social, and economic dimensions and a wide range of possible indicators could measure the changes in the degree of protection against danger, damage, or loss.
Renewable energy is a challenge, but also an opportunity for new industries, employment, and new ways to reduce dependency on fuel imports, provide electricity to poor remote areas, reduce air pollution, and provide a healthier environment.
Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency generate benefits to society as a whole that cannot be fully reflected in investment returns, leading thereby to underinvestment by the private sector.
Greater Mekong Subregion Secretariat
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department, Asian Development Bank
Address: 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 8632 4444 Fax: +63 2 8636 2226
