Energy

Greater Mekong Subregion countries are in varying stages of economic development but share common goals concerning energy security and environmental protection. Progress have been made in promoting renewable energy, clean fuels, and energy efficiency, but new energy solutions remain crucial to the subregion’s advancement.

The GMS Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030) emphasizes cross-border power trade, establishment of regional grid codes, development of regional markets, and expanding clean energy investments with a greater role for the private sector.

The Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) managed regional power trade in the subregion from 2004–2022. In July 2022, at the 29th RPTCC meeting, the committee formally transitioned to the GMS Energy Transition Taskforce (ETTF). Among other things, the transition to ETTF ushers in closer energy cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its initiatives, such as the ASEAN Power Grid.

 

New Energy Solutions Needed for the GMS

 

Energy consumption in the GMS countries has grown intensively as their economies develop, driven mostly by residential and industrial sectors. Demand is forecasted to increase materially over the medium term.

GMS countries have used different approaches to increase access to reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy.

  • Power generation. Coal and gas remain prominent in installed capacity, but there is a diverse, complementary, and growing mix of renewables across GMS countries. Focus on specific types of renewables varies based on each country’s natural resource endowment but hydropower is fundamental to the subregion. In July 2021, ADB approved a technical assistance to support countries in Southeast Asia to accelerate transition to clean energy.
  • Power sector planning. Key themes that have emerged in the recent power development plans of GMS countries include the following: (i) development of grid infrastructure, battery energy storage system (BESS) and pumped storage hydropower; (ii) resource-oriented supply build-out; (iii) renewable-enabling policies and (iv) electric vehicle targets and planning.
  • Regional cooperation.Through the GMS platform, cooperation with ASEAN and other avenues for energy cooperation, GMS countries are working together to meet the subregion’s demand for new energy solutions. They share knowledge, experiences and lessons learned, and pursue initiatives that enhance and overcome challenges to cross-border electricity trade.

 

See initiatives of the GMS Energy Transition Task Force to promote energy security in the subregion in a sustainable manner.

 

Related

 

Key Energy Resources

 

Contact Persons

Focal Persons at the Asian Development Bank

  • Hyunjung Lee (lead) 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Atsumasa Sakai 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

Other Concerned Staff & Consultants

  • Joao Aleluia 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Architrandi Priambodo 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Jeffrey Almera 
    Energy Sector Office
    Sectors Group

  • Pinsuda Alexander 
    Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
    Southeast Asia Department 

  • Rafaelita Jamon 
    Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit
    Southeast Asia Department/GMS Secretariat 

Send inquiries to GMS Secretariat. 

Heads of GMS country delegations participate in the 23rd GMS Ministerial Conference. Standing from left are Mr. Vu Dai Thang, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Viet Nam; Mr. Aung Htoo, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Myanmar; Ms. Cheng Lihua, Vice Minister, Ministry of Finance, PRC; Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Minister in charge of GMS Cooperation Program/GMS Minister, Secretary General, Council for the Development of Cambodia; Mr. Viengsavath Siphandone, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Lao PDR; Mr. Thaworn Senneam, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport, Thailand; and Mr. Ahmed M. Saeed, Vice President for ADB Operations in the Southeast Asia Department, the East Asia Department, and the Pacific Department. Photo by ADB.

23rd Ministerial Conference of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program

The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) organized the 23rd GMS Ministerial Conference on 17-18 November 2019 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with the theme “Greater Integration, Inclusivity and Sustainability in the GMS.”  The meeting brought together GMS Ministers and Senior Officials of the six GMS countries—Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Lao People’s Democrati