Larger Role for Singapore in Realising ASEAN Power Grid
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong’s inquiry on Singapore’s role in the ASEAN Power Grid and potential direct government investments in cross-border electricity infrastructure. Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng highlighted Singapore’s commitment through pathfinder projects and regional Memoranda of Understanding to facilitate decarbonisation. He noted that while Singapore is conducting feasibility studies with the United States, the government currently does not intend to invest directly in cross-border infrastructure. Instead, the focus is on establishing the frameworks and ecosystems that allow commercial players to build the necessary infrastructure. This approach aims to realise the regional vision by connecting renewable energy sources to consumption points across Southeast Asian member states.
Transcript
3 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Government envisions a larger role for Singapore in realising the ASEAN Power Grid; and (b) whether the Government is considering direct investments in renewable and sustainable cross-border electricity infrastructure to ensure electricity sustainability.
The Second Minister for Trade and Industry (Dr Tan See Leng) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid is ASEAN's vision to integrate the national power systems of its 10 member states. This will create opportunities for mutual support and electricity trading among the member states. The support of all ASEAN member states is necessary to realise this vision. And Singapore is committed to playing our part.
Singapore has been working with various countries on pathfinder projects such as the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR)-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project. We have also signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with like-minded countries such as Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam – and I think Members know, with Indonesia as well – to advance our collective energy interests and facilitate regional decarbonisation.
Last week, Indonesia and Singapore signed the MOU on Renewable Energy Cooperation where we will collaborate on cross-border electricity trading projects.
We are also working with the United States on a feasibility study on regional energy connectivity to support the development of the ASEAN Power Grid. The ASEAN Power Grid can facilitate ASEAN's decarbonisation efforts. There is significant renewable energy potential in the Southeast Asia region. Building energy interconnections can help to realise this potential by joining the producing regions to the consumption points or regions.
At this point in time, the Government does not intend to invest directly in cross-border infrastructure. Our focus is to work with regional partners to provide the framework, regulations as well as the ecosystem that will enable commercial players to build the infrastructure. We will continue to work closely with all of our regional partners and with this year's ASEAN Chair, Indonesia, to realise the ASEAN Power Grid.