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Therefore , the Grid of the Future strategy , embedded in TNB ’ s Energy Transition Plan , seeks to modernise and digitise the grid and distribution infrastructures , facilitating increased integration of distributed generations and renewables .“ |
The ASEAN Power Grid ( APG )
A ROBUST AND DEPENDABLE electricity infrastructure is essential to foster regional economic growth and facilitate the integration process . The ASEAN Power Grid ( APG ) stands as a pivotal initiative aimed at establishing a regional power interconnection .
Initially , the focus is on bilateral connections across borders , with a gradual expansion to sub-regional levels , ultimately leading to the establishment of a fully integrated power grid system for Southeast Asia . Positioned as a key project within the Master Plan of the ASEAN Connectivity , the APG project anticipates facilitating cross-border electricity trade , addressing the escalating demand for electricity , and enhancing access to energy services throughout the region .
According to PwC ’ s “ Regional Electricity Trade in ASEAN ” report , the establishment of an integrated ASEAN power grid is poised to yield substantial advantages . Key benefits include cost reduction and the opportunity to harness various renewable sources from countries with resource advantages , supplying power to nations with fewer resources . Additionally , the integrated power grid enables more efficient balancing of power loads by accessing required power from sources across the region . This diversification results in a more stable power supply , minimising the impact of plant failures on the overall region and optimising both resources and costs by reducing reserve margins . In the current scenario , ASEAN countries engage in regular electricity export and import , albeit in relatively small quantities . Countries in Southeast Asia generate 1,053 TWh of electricity annually , and export 36 TWh of the generated electricity to other ASEAN countries . These flows tend to be bilateral and unidirectional – between two countries , where one country exports and the other imports .
Currently , Laos , boasting surplus
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electricity generation , serves as the primary exporter of electricity within Southeast Asia . Other countries , including Malaysia , Thailand , Vietnam , and Myanmar , also participate in electricity exports .
Malaysia ’ s Readiness to Become ASEAN RE Hub
The Malaysian government has lifted the ban on exporting renewable energy ( RE ) to enhance the country ’ s green economy policy . This decision is expected to boost the potential of local RE companies by enabling crossborder exports . The reversal of the ban is anticipated to allow firms to expand their renewable power generation capacity and tap into the high demand from neighbouring countries . The government will facilitate the crossborder sale of RE through an electricity exchange system . This proactive move highlights Malaysia ’ s readiness to become ASEAN RE Hub for multilateral power trading .
For instance , Malaysian utility company , TNB , has made substantial progress in reinforcing connections with ASEAN peers . It advocates for stronger interconnections to expedite the energy transition , ensuring greater energy security and facilitating a quicker decarbonisation process for the region .
Malaysia believes there is untapped potential in realising the APG and encourages ASEAN member countries to collaborate in fully integrating Southeast Asia ’ s power grid system .
Therefore , the Grid of the Future strategy , embedded in TNB ’ s Energy Transition Plan , seeks to modernise and digitise the grid and distribution infrastructures , facilitating increased integration of distributed generations and renewables .
The emphasis is on optimising interconnections with other countries to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the distribution network in delivering
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