ASEAN News Integrated Trans-ASEAN energy Network to be AcceleratedThe ASEAN Ministers of Energy, meeting in Ha Noi on 3 July 2000, agreed to accelerate the implementation of an integrated trans-ASEAN energy network consisting of an ASEAN power Grid and Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Projects to promote ASEAN economic integration. In particular, the Ministers agreed to actively explore international and local sources of capital investment to bring these energy projects into reality. The Ministers acknowledged that the development of energy infrastructure, diversification of energy supply, improvement in energy efficiency and the utilization of new and renewable energy technologies would greatly contribute to the region’s energy security. The integrated trans-ASEAN energy network is the main component of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation. An ASEAN Interconnection Master Plan Study Working Group has been formed to determine the viability of electricity interconnection projects. The Heads of ASEAN power Utilities/Authorities(HAPUA) are considering the establishment of a joint venture company to provide equity investment in the interconnection projects. Meanwhile, ASEAN expects to complete the Master Plan of the Trans-ASEAN gas Pipeline Project by 2001. ASEAN MINISTERS OF ENERGY
|