Jakarta – Four ASEAN power companies discussed interconnection opportunities between countries at the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Bali. The four power companies include Indonesia’s Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Électricité du Laos and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand/EGAT.
In his remarks, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif explained that while achieving energy transition targets and reducing global emissions, all ASEAN member countries agreed that energy security is realised by building connectivity between countries.
“This interconnection system can become a backbone if the electricity supply in an area is excessive so that it can be channelled according to the needs of the region,” Tasrif said in a written statement.
He says interconnectivity between ASEAN countries can be realised through the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) and ASEAN Power Grid (APG). This electricity interconnection system is essential to achieve sustainable ASEAN energy.
NRE Interconnection
Meanwhile, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo explained that the interconnection system in ASEAN is not new to PLN. Indonesia and Malaysia have already made aggressive steps by connecting the Kalimantan system with Sabah. However, the development of this interconnection is necessary, especially in the midst of the challenges of clean energy development.
“With the ambitious planning for the development of renewable energy generation in the Indonesian Energy Transition scenario, this initiative can also increase the flexibility of supply and demand in the electricity sector,” Prasodjo said.
On the same occasion, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tenaga Nasional Berhad Dato’ Indera Ir Baharin welcomed this cooperation. According to him, the electricity system interconnection plan is an investment opportunity for the future. Although it requires a large budget allocation, with strong collaboration, it can be a profitable opportunity for all countries.
“The attractive investment climate and the attractiveness in terms of return on capital is a challenge. However, this interconnection model has been successfully implemented in Europe. This collaboration opportunity will be enhanced,” Baharin said. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Energy ministers in Southeast Asia attend the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Bali, Thursday (24/8). (Source: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)
