ASEAN is taking further steps to strengthen regional electricity connectivity. Senior officials, regulators and utility representatives from ASEAN Member States concluded a study visit to France, Brussels (EU) and the United Kingdom from 21 to 25 September. The visit supported knowledge exchange on regional electricity connectivity and the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
The visit programme brought together delegates from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the APG Consultative Committee to explore practical experience in developing and operating cross-border electricity interconnection systems. It was organised by the ASEAN Centre for Energy, the government of France (through Agence Française de Développement) and the government of the United Kingdom, in partnership with the European Union.
The study visit was part of work to support ASEAN-led initiatives under the APG Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding and the ASEAN Submarine Power Cable Development Framework.
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said:
The ASEAN Power Grid is an ambitious, ASEAN-led vision for a more connected and resilient energy future. The study visit has shown that delivering regional connectivity is about much more than infrastructure. It requires strong partnerships, trusted institutions and close cooperation across governments, regulators, utilities and industry. The UK is committed to support ASEAN as it takes this work forward, sharing our experience while recognising that ASEAN will chart its own course.
Dato Razib Dawood, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Energy, said:
APG stands as the crown jewel of ASEAN cooperation to unlock more renewable resources and improve our shared energy security. We have seen how other regions, including Europe, have developed their own interconnections with experiences and learnings that ASEAN can take home to work together for our own regional integration.
Over the course of the programme, participants engaged with regulators, system operators, financiers, and industry representatives involved in the planning, development, and operation of interconnection systems. Discussions cover topics including governance arrangements, regulatory frameworks, project development, cross-border coordination, and approaches to financing large-scale transmission infrastructure.
Participants also visited energy infrastructure in France and the UK, including Nexans high-voltage facilities in Calais and IFA2 Converter Station in Hampshire. They engaged with system operators involved in cross-border electricity interconnectors, providing an opportunity to exchange views on both the opportunities and challenges associated with regional electricity interconnection.
Ambassador of France to ASEAN, Fabien Penone, said:
The ASEAN Power Grid is not just about electricity. It is about energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, regional cooperation and the commitment to clean, affordable, and secure energy. It is a transformative project for the region, technically ambitious and strategically vital for ASEAN. France and AFD aim to supporting this regional ambition by bringing an extensive, long-standing expertise.
AFD Head of Department – Europe, Middle-East, Asia, Cyrille Bellier, said:
The ASEAN Power Grid is a cornerstone of the region’s energy transition and regional integration. Turning this ambition into reality will require substantial investment in modern cross-border infrastructure, as well as the right regulatory frameworks and strong project preparation. France and AFD are committed to supporting ASEAN in this effort by bringing together French and European experience, technical expertise and financing. With more than 30 years of engagement in Southeast Asia, France can act as a bridge between ASEAN’s regional ambitions, the priorities of its Member States, and European partners.
One of the key themes throughout the programme was the role of financing and investment in advancing regional connectivity. Financing is a key consideration because cross-border transmission projects are expensive, politically complex, and generate returns over the long-term. Participants exchanged perspectives on the conditions needed to support long-term infrastructure investment, including project preparation, regulatory certainty, risk allocation, and cross-border coordination mechanisms
The programme highlighted the importance of collaboration across governments, utilities, development partners, investors and industry stakeholders. Industry and system practitioners shared perspectives on the challenges of developing and operating interconnected power systems. Participants discussed how international experience from France, the UK and the EU can help inform ASEAN’s approach that fit its own priorities, institutions, and market conditions.