KUCHING: A common regional framework is urgently needed to realize the ambitious ASEAN Power Grid, according to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Speaking at the opening of the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition in Kuching on Tuesday (June 8), the premier highlighted that the regional bloc currently lacks a concrete, overarching framework to manage cross-border energy interconnection between member states.
"There is a proposal for power connection from Laos to Singapore, and also from Sarawak to Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, but there is no framework on how to implement the interconnection," Abang Johari said.
Despite the absence of a unified regional policy, Sarawak has been proactively advancing its energy export ambitions through bilateral agreements. The state already supplies power to West Kalimantan in Indonesia, and ongoing discussions are underway with Brunei and Singapore regarding future power supply arrangements.
"These are bilateral agreements, but eventually it will become part of the grid," Abang Johari noted, adding that Sarawak is fully prepared and believes all 11 ASEAN member states should establish a common framework, citing the European Union's energy management model as a potential blueprint.
He urged the Federal Government to drive these framework discussions at the ASEAN level, revealing that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is already engaging his regional counterparts on the matter.
On the state's energy capacity, Abang Johari affirmed Sarawak's willingness to share its surplus renewable energy with neighbouring countries. The state is targeting a total power production capacity of 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.
"At present, Sarawak only needs 6GW. If our development proceeds as planned, we might need another 1GW, so we will have a balance of 3GW available for regional export," he explained.
The push for a unified ASEAN Power Grid comes as Southeast Asian nations increasingly look to integrate their energy markets. The initiative aims to enhance grid stability, attract green investment, and facilitate the cross-border trade of renewable energy, particularly hydroelectric, solar, and emerging green hydrogen projects.
Regional energy integration is seen as a crucial step for ASEAN to meet its collective climate targets while supporting rapid economic growth. By connecting national grids, member states can balance supply and demand more efficiently, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering overall electricity costs.
Sarawak, with its extensive network of hydroelectric dams along the Rajang River and ambitious green hydrogen initiatives, has positioned itself as a leading renewable energy hub for the region. This makes the establishment of clear, standardized interconnection protocols increasingly critical for long-term regional energy security and economic cooperation.
Abang Johari's remarks underscore the growing momentum behind ASEAN's energy transition, highlighting that while bilateral progress is being made, a cohesive, bloc-wide strategy remains the missing piece to fully unlock the region's clean energy potential.
