In a significant step toward regional energy integration, Singapore and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have jointly conducted a crucial training initiative to enhance ASEAN's renewable energy capabilities. The Singapore-IEA Regional Training Programme, titled "Connecting ASEAN: Technical, Regulatory and Financial Pathways for Cross-Border Power Trade," was launched to support the region's power integration goals.
This program provided essential knowledge to key regional players to foster multilateral power trade, thereby advancing the development of a more interconnected and resilient power grid across Southeast Asia.
Training Program Brings Diverse Voices
The ninth edition of the training program attracted 200 participants from 20 countries
The ninth edition of the training program attracted 200 participants from 20 countries, encompassing policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders.
Esteemed organizations, such as the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) were represented, alongside energy regulators from Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Prominent private sector stakeholders also contributed to the discussions.
Participants shared critical insights on creating technical frameworks, crafting regulations, developing financing models, and establishing risk-sharing mechanisms needed for enabling cross-border power transmission.
Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, highlighted the program's significance, stating, "This annual regional training between the IEA and EMA reflects our shared commitment to advancing secure, sustainable, and cost-effective energy systems in Southeast Asia."
He further emphasized the role of the IEA’s Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore, which supports Southeast Asian nations in meeting their energy goals, enhancing regional power system integration and energy security.
A Vision for ASEAN Power Grid
Puah Kok Keong, Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority (EMA), emphasized the vital role of the ASEAN Power Grid vision in fostering a secure and resilient energy future for the region.
According to Keong, "With the establishment of the IEA Regional Cooperation Centre in Singapore, we will work even more closely with the IEA to accelerate efforts to build regional capabilities to advance energy interconnectivity and multilateral power trade. This also builds on the existing work in ASEAN to develop a framework on subsea cable deployment."
Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub
This initiative serves as a component of the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub. Looking ahead, Singapore and the IEA are set to co-host the Singapore-IEA Forum on October 28, 2025, during the 18th Singapore International Energy Week, which will coincide with Singapore's 60th anniversary celebrations.
