With Asia set to outstrip other parts of the world in its demand for additional energy - and with some countries in the region unable to provide all its people with affordable electricity - the United Nations has mooted the proposal of an integrated regional power grid.
This was announced yesterday by Dr Noeleen Heyzer, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), who was in town to deliver a lecture as part of the Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) Distinguished Speaker Programme.
A meeting will be held next year to share details of the “Asian Energy Highway” with stakeholders, including member states.
Dr Heyser said: “The region has vast energy resources such as hydropower and coal, and it should be better utilised to maximise the generation of electricity based on demand.”
Speaking to reporters later, Dr Heyzer said that UN-ESCAP member states have expressed interest in the initiative.
“Already the elements of what needs to be (in the agenda) have been discussed. However, it’s a UN platform, so we have to build a consensus with member states to make sure the interests of all get incorporated.”
Dr Heyzer said she hoped for a step-by-step implementation, starting in countries where “people are ready to start off” to create a decentralised grid, which will eventually “all get connected”.
In ASEAN, for instance, its 10 member states have committed to set up a common regional energy network, which will allow the trading of electricity.
Among UN-ESCAP’s other regional connectivity initiatives were the Trans-Asian Railway, which was initiated in the 1960s, and the dry ports project which has been in the works since 2010.
Referring to the two projects, Dr Heyzer said: “I foresee (the proposed Asian Energy Highway) will not take as long … but definitely, it has to go through major discussions, to look at what is the best way for countries.”
Responding to Today’s queries, an EMA spokesperson said it “understands the UN-ESCAP will be having an in-depth discussion on the Asian Energy Highway in 2013, and look forward to more details”. The spokesperson added: “The Asian Energy Highway, as Dr Heyzer mentioned, is meant to build on existing sub-regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid, which Singapore actively participates in.”
Dr Heysel also welcomed Singapore’s recent move to pass a Energy Conversation Act which will, among other things, require firms that consume big amounts of energy to submit reports and come up with targets and measures to improve energy efficiency.
Said Dr Heysel: “I think that it is useful because it is mandatory … It will create a mindset change whereby people are more aware of eco-efficiency and that there is a cost to wastage.”
While she hopes the Act will be extended to commercial buildings, she was against the idea of punitive measures for errant firms. “It is better to encourage people to do it because of enlightened self-interest,” she said.