S2E17: Why is everyone talking about an Asean power grid?

A regional power grid could help bring clean power to people. But
huge challenges remain.


Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits
Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from
biodiversity conservation to climate change.


Rapidly growing Asean is hungry for power to keep its economies
humming. With electricity demand growth of 3 to 4 per cent a
year, meeting that demand is a costly challenge for governments
in the region. 


A regional grid, long-talked about, could help the region meet
its energy needs while also putting a lid on growing carbon
emissions that are heating up the planet. The regional grid could
shift power around the region, helping move green electricity to
countries less able to produce it. 


And the grid is becoming a reality, with Singapore’s demand for
low-carbon electricity imports helping drive investment. But
wiring up the whole region will be expensive and large hurdles
remain, including stronger policy support from regional
governments, guaranteed power purchase agreements and lack of
regional power trading networks. 


Join Green Pulse hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty as they
discuss these questions in this episode. 


Have a listen and let us know your thoughts!


Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):


1:52 The ASEAN power grid was first floated as an idea in 1997
but languished for years.


3:16 What are the key turning points that are helping make the
grid a reality?


6:26 Lower air pollution, cheaper power are just some of the
potential benefits


9:54 But high upfront costs of wiring up the region is a key
challenge


14:48 What are some of the other challenges?


21:41 Blended finance and other funding sources are needed to
come together to lure investors


Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/848W


Read her articles: https://str.sg/JLM2


Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/jcvy


Read his articles: https://str.sg/JLMu


Hosts: Audrey Tan (audreyt@sph.com.sg) & David Fogarty
(dfogarty@sph.com.sg)


Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim


Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong


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drops:


Channel: https://str.sg/JWaf


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Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg


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