Commercial Viability, Committed Offtakers Vital For ASEAN’s Green Energy Ambition - TNB
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) — The region’s ambitious green energy path under the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiatives must be underpinned not only by infrastructure, but also by commercial viability to translate regional ambitions into execution, said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) chief grid officer Hasmarizal Hassan.
Speaking on the panel titled “Connected by Clean Power: ASEAN’s Green Growth Opportunity” at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) Energy Forum 2026 recently, he said cross-border clean electricity trade requires not only physical interconnections but also clarity in business structures and regulatory alignment among participating countries.
The APG aims to establish a sustainable, integrated energy network by 2045, with eight of the ten ASEAN members having set net-zero targets.
“Clear business models, supported by committed offtakers, are essential to ensure that cross-border interconnections are commercially viable, providing clarity on cost recovery, risk sharing, and long-term demand certainty,” TNB said in a social media post quoting Hasmarizal at the forum.
He added that regulatory frameworks across member countries are also critical in enabling reliable and secure cross-border power flows.
Looking ahead, he said TNB remains focused on strengthening grid capabilities to support the region’s move towards a cleaner, more connected, and resilient energy future.
TNB has been actively contributing to the APG, as evidenced by cross-border connectivity projects such as the Vietnam–Malaysia–Singapore, Malaysia–Indonesia, and Malaysia–Sarawak interconnections.
Renewable energy transmission to Singapore from Laos via Thailand and Malaysia three years ago marked a milestone in the region’s cross-border electricity trade.
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the long-term value of the APG lies in its ability to deliver a range of benefits beyond the energy sector.
It said new transmission corridors can bring development opportunities, especially for rural areas, improving access to markets, education, and healthcare, while supporting local economic growth.
Additionally, it said adding 30 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity could create around 182,000 jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
— BERNAMA
