Energy utilities chiefs from Asean countries expressed their concern about energy security and climate change, with an agreement to accelerate the promotion of clean coal technology and the development of nuclear power, among other initiatives.
The 26th Meeting of Heads of Asean Power Utilities/Authorities (Hapua) Council yesterday highlighted that the regional grouping would pursue energy policies and strategies to balance energy security and economic and social development. It also reiterated the significance of an Asean action plan for energy cooperation to accelerate the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
"It's a commitment that there should be a common ground for renewable energy development. However, there is no clear target yet that we want to achieve," Sutas Patamasiriwat, governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand as chairman of the Hapua Council, said after the meeting yesterday.
The chiefs also approved the progress of the Asean Interconnection Master Plan Study II, which contains 16 projects.
According to the study, when the projects are implemented, Asean will optimise indigenous energy sources and enhance energy security among member countries and be able to save a substantial amount of investment and fuel cost, Hapua said in a statement.
"Still, despite the acknowledgement, there is no clear picture how much investment the projects will entail. All remains in the plan and it is up to countries involved to finalise the figures. Still, a complete master plan would give a rough picture for all on where Asean is heading," Sutas said.
In order to meet the goals of the Asean Power Grid, the council also recommended that the regional grouping come up with guidelines on ensuring the reliability of operation, performance and safety standards and procedures in generation and transmission in any future interconnection.
There should also be a model framework for taxes, tariffs and customs laws that may be applied to the sale and transmission of electricity between members. There should also be guidelines on investment sources for bilateral interconnection.
Sutas will conclude details from the Hapua working groups for submission to the Asean meeting in November in Vietnam.