The 1st EU-ASEAN Technical Energy Workshop: Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Sustainable, Integrated Energy System

Over 70 policymakers, energy industry leaders, experts and researchers from the European Union (EU) and ASEAN gathered in Bangkok for the first EU-ASEAN Technical Workshop under the EU-ASEAN Energy Dialogue to advance regional energy integration. The workshop underscored the importance of fostering an integrated and sustainable electricity system and regional energy markets. 

Drawing on the EU’s extensive experience in regional energy cooperation, the two-day workshop held on 8-9 April and organised and funded by the EU under the Technical Assistance Facility to the Green Team Europe Initiative (TAF-GTEI), provided a collaborative platform to bolster the development of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), energy security, promote smart grid technologies, and enhance cooperation on sustainable energy solutions. 

The EU and ASEAN share a common vision of a more integrated and sustainable energy sector. This workshop facilitated the exchange of technical expertise and policy insights on regional electricity grids and market conditions, while exploring potential areas for deeper EU-ASEAN cooperation in the energy domain. 

The workshop was opened by the Vice Minister of Energy of Thailand, Col. Fuangvich Aniruth-deva, and the Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, H.E. David Daly.

In his remarks, H.E. David Daly highlighted the steady progress of the EU-ASEAN partnership in the sustainable energy sector, driven by the shared commitment to sustainable energy and economic prosperity. "The European Union’s journey towards energy market integration offers valuable lessons, demonstrating how regional integration fosters efficiency, enhances security of supply, and promotes the uptake of renewable energy sources which are critical for ASEAN’s energy future." He continued, "This workshop is not just about sharing experiences; it is about fostering collaboration, strengthening partnerships, and collectively shaping a future in which energy is accessible, sustainable, and secure for all."

Col. Fuangvich Aniruth-deva highlighted Thailand’s initiatives in energy collaboration. "Thailand continues to actively engage with our ASEAN neighbours in building an interconnected regional energy system. The ASEAN Power Grid is an important framework that guides our efforts to integrate the energy infrastructure of Southeast Asia." He added, "Thailand’s participation in regional and international energy cooperation platforms, such as this EU-ASEAN Energy Dialogue, is an essential part of our strategy to learn from best practices and explore how we can further enhance our energy systems. As a key partner in this endeavour, the EU's experience in creating a regionally integrated electricity market has been invaluable, and we are eager to learn from the successes and challenges that the EU has faced."

The workshop featured technical presentations and panel discussion on key energy topics, including:

• Market-based approaches to grid interconnectivity;

• Integration of large-scale renewable energy projects;

• Regional collaboration in grid planning and management. 

Representatives from ASEAN Member States shared national policies, flagship projects, and strategies to enhance electricity interconnection and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Industry experts underscored the importance of harmonised market policies to support efficient cross-border electricity trade. Discussions also explored technical and regulatory challenges in achieving a sustainable, interconnected regional energy network.

A key component of the workshop was a field visit to the Demand Response Control Centre of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The visit gave participants first-hand exposure to advanced energy system technologies, their practical applications, benefits, and implementation challenges.

Through enhanced regional cooperation, the EU and ASEAN reaffirm their commitment to building a resilient energy network that supports economic growth while ensuring a sustainable and secure energy landscape for future generations.