Sector/Thematic Session: The State of Play of the ASEAN Power Grid: Progress and Barriers

Overview

ASEAN's energy demand is projected to triple by 2050, even as 64% of its current energy mix relies on fossil fuels. To meet growing consumption sustainably, the region is accelerating its transition to renewable energy while advancing plans for an interconnected regional power grid, with cross-border transmission capacity targeted to reach 17.6 GW by 2040.

However, cross-border projects face added complexity due to differing policies, regulations, and technical standards among ASEAN member states. Variations in tariff mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and regulatory rules slow project approvals and integration efforts. At the same time, climate-related risks, such as extreme heat and natural disasters, combined with aging grid infrastructure increase system vulnerabilities and raise the urgency for resilient upgrades. While the region needs more than US$100 billion in financing for cross-border transmission by 2045, access to both public and private capital remains limited.

This session examined the progress, barriers, and financing structures needed to convert the APG pipeline into investable projects.

Agenda

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.

Opening Remarks

Nianshan Zhang, Director General, Southeast Asia Department, ADB
9:05 – 9:15 a.m.

Keynote Speech

Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development Directorate, The ASEAN Secretariat
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Panel Discussion

Panelists
Moderator: Anthony Maxwell, Principal Energy Specialist, SD1-ENE, ADB

Assaad Razzouk, CEO, Gurin Energy

Beatrice Yulo Gomez, Director, Pacific and Interregional Non-sovereign Operations, Office of Safeguards, ADB

Giacomo Rizzi, Director–APAC, Prysmian

Beni Suryadi, Senior Manager for APAEC and Strategic Partnership, ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

Jackie B. Surtani, Regional Director, ADB Singapore Office, ADB
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Moderated Q&A