ERIA and the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR (MEM) co-host the 7th East Asia Energy Forum under the theme, 'Energy Security Policy Directions for Inclusive and Sustainable Development for ASEAN.'

Lao PDR, along with the rest of ASEAN, faces significant challenges regarding the future energy landscape and the transition to a new energy architecture. This includes the need for sound policies and technologies to ensure affordable energy access, energy security, and sustainability. The pathways to carbon neutrality may vary among countries, but the availability, accessibility, and affordability of energy supply are fundamental requirements for Lao PDR in terms of energy supply security.

ASEAN, as well as Lao PDR, has high potential renewable energy resources that could be utilised to their fullest extent, such as hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. These resources could help accelerate the share of renewables in the energy mix and support Lao PDR in building a green economy. Lao PDR is well-positioned not only to achieve the decarbonisation of its own energy system but also to contribute to greening the ASEAN Grid through power exchange and future power markets within ASEAN.

In the context of energy security, ASEAN and Lao PDR could become more resilient if all end-use sectors transition towards electricity. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a promising strategy, as it reduces reliance on imported petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel. Accelerating carbon neutrality across all sectors will create opportunities for developing clean fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, which can be used in industries and heavy-duty transport modes for both inland and waterway transportation. For instance, green ammonia could present a new opportunity for producing domestic green agricultural fertilisers.

Although ASEAN expects a high share of renewables in its energy mix, some petroleum products will continue to play a role for the next decade. Therefore, it is crucial for ASEAN to leverage existing mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), to ensure member nations can support each other during times of disruption, whether caused by extreme weather conditions or terrorist attacks.

Energy efficiency and conservation are also vital, as they help save energy and contribute to energy security. Realising the potential for energy savings requires a robust policy and regulatory framework to guide investment and implementation. Both active and passive design measures can enhance energy efficiency, but an appropriate business model, such as that provided by Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), is necessary for effective system retrofitting.

Taking advantage of Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship, MEM, as the lead organiser of the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the East Asia Summit-Energy Ministers Meeting (EAS-EMM) during Lao PDR’s tenure as Chair, will be responsible for coordinating, organising, and implementing all activities under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Pillar related to mining and energy. ERIA, in close collaboration with MEM, has developed a White Paper on the energy security study of Lao PDR and its implications for ASEAN. The findings from this study provide policy directions and implications not only for Lao PDR but for ASEAN as a whole.