Asean 2045: Govt to enhance scope of regional energy cooperation

New Straits Times

27-05-2025

PUTRAJAYA: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry has voiced its full support for the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Aseab 2045: Our Shared Future, calling it a pivotal step towards realising the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also in charge of ministry, said the ministry is committed to enhancing regional energy cooperation by finalising strategic frameworks and action plans under the Priority Economic Deliverables (PED), aimed at fostering a just and structured energy transition.
He said among key initiatives undertaken to reach the goals is the upcoming Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, which will serve as the framework for long-term regional energy strategies towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy system across Asean by 2045.
Fadillah also underscored the importance of advancing the Asean Power Grid (APG) through the implementation of a Memorandum of Cooperation, which will facilitate interconnectivity between member states' electricity grids.
"This will accelerate regional grid integration and enable broader adoption of clean energy sources and pave the way for cross-border power trading and greater use of renewable energy," he said in a statement today.
Fadillah said two other regional agreements, namely the Trans Asean Gas Pipeline Agreement (TAGP) and the Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), will serve as foundational frameworks to ensure secure and reliable supply chains of natural gas and petroleum, which are essential for supporting a phased transition to low-carbon energy systems, especially in power generation.
"Through these initiatives, the ministry is committed to supporting the Kuala Lumpur Declaration of Asean 2045, including efforts to position energy transition as a strategic pillar in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Asean Economic Community.
"This commitment aligns with Malaysia Madani, the national development framework that champions sustainability, well-being, and innovation.
"It also strengthens regional collaboration for the shared benefit of all Asean communities," he said.
Yesterday, Asean leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, which set the foundation to guide the region's development and cooperation over the next two decades.
The declaration, endorsed during the 46th Asean Summit here, represents a significant milestone in the bloc's commitment to building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred regional community.
According to the Declaration, Asean member states reaffirmed their collective resolve to enhance regional unity, promote inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity to respond effectively to existing and future megatrends.
The document also envisions Asean as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region, with a strong emphasis on regional solidarity, a shared identity and equitable access to economic opportunities among its people.
– Benama