PETRA Drives ASEAN Energy Collaboration Towards Regional Prosperity
January 25, 2025, / KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has unveiled the official theme for ASEAN’s energy sector in 2025: “Powering ASEAN: Bridging Boundaries, Building Prosperity.” This theme underscores the importance of strengthening regional ties to foster sustainable energy development and promote shared prosperity across ASEAN nations.
According to PETRA, the initiatives tied to this theme aim to enhance the quality of life through economic growth that prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability. The announcement was made during the Special ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy, held on January 23 in Langkawi, Kedah, following preparatory meetings a day earlier.
Strategic Priorities for ASEAN Energy in 2025
The meeting approved eight annual priorities for ASEAN’s energy sector, focusing on key advancements, including:
*Endorsement of the enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
*Framework development for an undersea power cable system.
*Announcement of new financing mechanisms for APG.
Other key approvals included:
*Ratification of a new agreement to replace the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA).
*Launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database and Investment Platform.
*Finalization of the Long-Term Renewable Energy Roadmap (2026-2030).
*Initiation of the ASEAN Renewable Energy Certification Framework.
*Preliminary steps for a framework on nuclear power plant implementation.
Foundational Documents for ASEAN’s Energy Future
Two landmark documents emerged as critical outcomes from the meeting:
*An enhanced MoU for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).
*The Long-Term Renewable Energy Roadmap (2026-2030).
“These documents lay the foundation for continued collaboration among ASEAN member states, ensuring a stable, sustainable, and inclusive energy supply for the region,” PETRA stated.
Draft proposals for APSA and the undersea power cable framework were also discussed, both seen as pivotal to advancing ASEAN’s integrated power grid aspirations.
Langkawi Hosts Milestone Meeting, More to Follow
The special meeting, held from January 22-24 in Langkawi, welcomed delegations from all ASEAN member states, with Timor Leste participating as an observer.
PETRA is set to chair two additional major energy meetings this year:
*The Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) in Kuching, Sarawak, from June 16-20.
*The 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Kuala Lumpur, from September 22-26.
Under PETRA’s leadership, ASEAN continues to strengthen regional energy cooperation, paving the way for shared prosperity rooted in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
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