SEPTEMBER 2026
SARAWAK CALLS FOR COMMON ASEAN FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL POWER INTERCONNECTION
BANGKOK, 14 September 2026 – ASEAN member states need to establish a common framework and platform to facilitate greater interconnection of power systems across the region.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, said such a framework should provide a common understanding among ASEAN countries, including mechanisms to determine the pricing of electricity supplied from one location to another.
He made the remarks during a fireside chat with Mr Roland Lim at GASTECH 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) here today.
Abang Jo said ASEAN could learn from existing regional power integration models, particularly the European experience, instead of developing an entirely new system.
“I have suggested that we do not have to reinvent the wheel but look at how the European Union manages its electricity grid. Scandinavia, for example, has been supplying energy to the European continent through undersea cables, and power has become a tradable commodity in Europe,” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak was well positioned to contribute to regional energy cooperation, given its strong renewable energy resources, particularly hydropower.
Around 60 per cent of Sarawak’s energy generation currently comes from hydropower, while the state is also developing other sources including biomass, solar and natural gas as part of its broader energy mix.
“This energy mix allows us to calibrate our policies to balance sustainability with economic growth,” he said.
The development of a more integrated ASEAN power network would therefore provide opportunities for countries with strong renewable energy resources to share electricity across borders, while supporting regional energy security and the transition towards lower-carbon economic growth.