Abundant hydropower and
natural gas resources, their
development is vital to support
economic growth
Figure 5: ASEAN Energy Policy
5. Accelerate the development of APG
interconnection Projects
ASEAN Electricity
Market Integration
4. Formation of the APG institutions
3. Synchronize Power Development Plan
and optimize the generation of electricity
Figure 6:
APGCCStrategies
for APG
Development [1]
2. Encourage and optimize the utilization of
ASEAN resources
1. Encourage third party participation
(EGAT)’s grid via 300kV High-Voltage Direct Current
(HVDC) and 132kV High-Voltage Alternating
Current (HVAC) links. The system interconnection
arrangement for TNB-EGAT HVDC link is based on
energy transactions.
Meanwhile, the grid interconnection between
Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore is based on
energy exchange. The objective is to enable
mutual energy transfer in times of need and more
economical mode of system operation through
sharing of spinning reserves.The southern TNB
grid is connected to PGL of Singapore via 275kV
HVAC cables.
Both interconnections have many times
proved to be beneficial to Malaysia and the
interconnected countries alike. For example,
when Malaysia experienced a generation shortfall
during an emergency condition, the interconnected
system reacted instantaneously providing the
much needed fast reserve, saving Malaysia
from impending blackout. Taking advantage of
interconnected systems, more interconnection
projects are in the pipeline to further strengthen
the national grid.
A Step Closer Towards ASEAN Power Integration
The APG, which has experienced stagnant
development, finally sees progress with the
launching of the cross-border power trade project
between Lao PDR and Singapore. Through a
joint statement during Lao PDR’s chairmanship
of the 32nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting
(AMEM), four ASEAN countries, Lao PDR, Thailand,
Malaysia and Singapore, have unanimously agreed
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