METI, EMA, & US Department of Energy call for greater cooperation for energy development

Singapore's Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Energy Market Authority of Singapore (EMA), and the United States Department of Energy (DOE) released the preliminary findings of the second phase of the joint Feasibility Study on Regional Energy Connectivity in Southeast Asia on Oct. 28.

Key findings presented during SIEW

The Joint Feasibility Study was launched in April 2023, with the second phase being launched in October 2026.

The study’s key findings was presented on Oct. 28 by the National Laboratory of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, during the 19th Singapore International Energy Week.

The final report will be completed by early 2027.

The first phase of the study examined Southeast Asia's grid infrastructure, including subsea interconnections, and the socioeconomic benefits of regional energy interconnectivity.

For the second phase, Singapore and the U.S. brought together policymakers, industry experts, and researchers from the region to exchange perspectives and best practices in cross-border electricity trading and regional grid development.

Stronger regional governance and cooperation

Preliminary findings of this study highlight the need for stronger regional governance and cooperation.

It also recommended greater alignment of legal and regulatory frameworks across Asean to support subsea interconnection development.

The study also identifies approaches to financing meant to mobilise investment in subsea interconnection projects, including approaches to lessen project risks, as well as regional cost allocation methods to support wider investments as part of the wider Asean Power Grid.

The findings will help provide further practical recommendations to support the development of the Asean power grid, including regional initiatives such as the Asean submarine power cable development framework.

There is also hope that it will strengthen the Asean-US energy cooperation under the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation of 2026 to 2030.

The METI press statement said that Singapore and the U.S. looked forward to deepening cooperation on regional interconnectivity, energy security, and energy technologies, especially as the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Asean relationship in 2027.