Project Overview

The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) plays a critical role in regional energy security and decarbonisation. To modernise the APG, several categories of new technologies are key. On the supply side, smart grid tools and decentralised coordination can enhance stability and enable efficient cross-border energy exchange. AI applications can strengthen forecasting, predictive maintenance, and grid resilience. Blockchain enables secure, transparent trading and the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs).

Innovative energy storage solutions, such as batteries, pumped hydro, and emerging options such as hydrogen, are indispensable for balancing supply and demand under high renewable penetration.

Meanwhile, demand-side flexibility is becoming increasingly important. Digital platforms and smart meters can facilitate demand response, allowing consumers to adjust usage and prosumers to participate in cross-border markets. This inclusiveness supports efficiency and equity within the APG.

However, increasing digitalisation also raises cybersecurity and data governance challenges. Regional standards are needed to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure trusted data sharing. Finally, policy harmonisation and institutional capacity-building are essential to enable ASEAN members to jointly adopt these innovations. This project aims to assess these opportunities and challenges and to propose policy recommendations for a modern, secure, and sustainable APG.