HAPUA To Accelerate Implementation of ASEAN Power Grid

21/05/2015

MELAKA - Meeting of the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) 2015 which is being held here from 18 to 22 May is expected to accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) in support of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. 

The ASEAN region as a whole has abundant energy resources with great diversity. There are large hydropower potentials as well as huge oil, natural gas, and coal resources. This provides vast opportunities to exploit these energy resources collectively within the region. 

The APG interconnection is expected to give rise to benefits namely greater economic generation and transmission of electricity; greater reliability and security of electricity supply in member countries and provision of a platform for future energy trade.

In a study conducted by HAPUA, there will be up to 19,576 MW of cross-border power purchase and 3,000 MW of energy exchange through the cross border interconnections by 2025.

APG Consultative Committee chairman Bambang Hermawanto on Tuesday said, the HAPUA Working Committee bears a heavy task discussing numerous issues especially in ensuring the APG projects are carried out as planned.

“Member countries need to show high level of commitment and work hard to make sure the APG projects are completed as scheduled,” he said at the opening of the annual meeting.

HAPUA hopes to achieve long-term security, availability and reliability of energy supply, particularly in electricity through regional energy cooperation in Trans-ASEAN Energy Network.

It also hopes to optimise the region’s energy resources towards an integrated ASEAN Power Grid system, and further harmonise all aspect of technical standard and operating procedure as well as regulatory frame works among member countries. 

This year it was Malaysia’s turn to play host attended by delegates from eight ASEAN countries including Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Vietnam. Only Myanmar did not send any delegates to the meeting. The 31st HAPUA was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cordiality and solidarity.

The five HAPUA Working Groups comprises of working groups on Generation and Renewable Energy, APG/Transmission, Distribution and Power Realibility & Quality, Policy Studies and Commercial Development and Human Resource, respectively.

On the third day of HAPUA today, TNB’s Chief Corporate Officer Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman was elected as the new Chairman of the 21st HAPUA Working Committee.

In his appreciation remarks, Datuk Wira Roslan thanked his predecessor Bapak Murtaqi of Indonesia for his commitment and hardwork.

“I hope all parties involved will maintain good relationship and work together to achieve the ASEAN aspirations,” he said.

Datuk Wira Roslan said many issues need to be addressed and collaboratively implemented in regards to APG that will strengthen the ASEAN energy interconnection, integration of regional markets and providing cost competitive electricity supply.

He also thanked delegates, observers, HAPUA Malaysia secretariat, ASEAN secretariat and APGCC chairman for their commitment of ensuring the success of the meeting this year.

The HAPUA Summit will be officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Harun, accompanied by TNB President / Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Ir. Azman Mohd this Friday.