KUCHING, 9 June 2026 – The ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is seen as a crucial step to strengthen regional energy security and speed up the clean energy transition, according to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He made the remarks during a visionary dialogue titled “Empowering the Future – Delivering a Resilient Hydrogen Ecosystem” at the official launch of the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH 2026), held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
The Premier said ASEAN countries must urgently develop a common framework to move the ASEAN Power Grid forward in a structured and effective way. He pointed out that while the idea has been discussed for years, the region still lacks a unified system to support cross-border electricity trading and transmission.
“There is still no proper framework at the moment,” he said, adding that ASEAN should build a shared platform to coordinate the implementation of the regional grid.
He compared ASEAN’s situation with the European Union, where countries already benefit from a structured system for energy sharing. He noted that Scandinavian nations, for example, are connected through undersea cables that allow electricity exchange across borders.
“We do not have to reinvent the wheel,” he said, suggesting that ASEAN can learn from existing international models instead of starting from scratch.
Abang Johari stressed that regional cooperation would allow member countries to maximise renewable energy resources, improve long-term energy security, and support efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s growing role in regional energy cooperation. The state is already supplying renewable electricity to Kalimantan in Indonesia and Sabah, while discussions are ongoing to expand exports to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.
At the same time, Sarawak continues to develop its renewable energy capacity, especially hydropower, which supports its long-term plan to become a regional clean energy hub. The state is also investing in hydrogen production using water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, positioning itself as an emerging producer of green hydrogen.
The Premier said energy development must be based on cooperation, not isolation, stressing that no country can achieve full energy security alone.
“Energy security cannot be achieved in only one country. We need collective energy security,” he said.
The session was moderated by energy expert Nobuo Tanaka, who described the ASEAN Power Grid as a key initiative for decarbonisation, electrification, and long-term regional stability.
As ASEAN moves towards a low-carbon future, the push for a unified energy framework is expected to play a major role in shaping the region’s next phase of development.
