ASEAN Energy ministers endorse new frameworks for energy cooperation

The regional meeting deepened cross-border cooperation.

ASEAN Energy ministers endorsed new frameworks to expand regional power connectivity, strengthen supply security, and advance the bloc’s energy transition agenda in the recently concluded 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM).

Hosted by Malaysia, the meeting approved the enhanced ASEAN Power Grid (APG) Memorandum of Understanding, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, and Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Subsea Power Cable Development Framework. Singapore will lead legal and regulatory work for the subsea project.

Ministers also launched the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative, supported by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, to attract investment into cross-border power interconnections.

The event endorsed the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026–2030, which sets regional targets to reduce energy intensity by 40% and raise renewable energy’s share to 30% by 2030. Work began on new frameworks for renewable energy certificates and nuclear safety cooperation.

Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng said greater regional interconnectivity would improve energy reliability, support investment in grid infrastructure, and advance decarbonisation efforts.

The Philippines will host the 44th AMEM in 2026.