To avoid any disruptions to the clean energy power infrastructure, Asean nations must collaborate

ASEAN – According to an energy expert, making Singapore’s plan to import clean energy from its Southeast Asian neighbors a reality would depend on the region’s capacity to work together to overcome any disparities as it accesses renewable resources that are spread out.

Dr Victor Nian, an adviser at the independent think-tank Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources, said regulators will have to iron out regional kinks to prevent possible import shortages from disrupting infrastructure, such as data centers and facilities on Jurong Island, citing the plan for an Asean power grid to bring together sources of green electricity.

The concept of importing renewable energy was mentioned in the recent Energy 2050 Committee report, which was commissioned by the Energy Market Authority, as a means for Singapore to secure its energy sources while also reducing carbon emissions.

Dr. Nian was speaking at a roundtable discussion on energy hosted by The Straits Times about whether rising energy prices will end up hurting the planet. On Friday, April 22nd, it was shown on ST’s YouTube channel and website in honor of Earth Day (April 22).

“First and foremost, who is accountable if there is a blackout or if there are system issues? Second, what is the price of that electricity that everyone along the trans-Asean power grid should pay?” he asked.

Nations must also be ready to work together and maintain the infrastructure along the power line in order to establish a regional network, he added.

“And the question is, what does it take for everyone along the power line to constantly collaborate on a goodwill basis and ensure that there is no disruption of electricity?” asked Dr. Nian.

His worries arise as a result of the Ukraine conflict, which has thrown the world’s energy system into disarray as countries seek to replace Russian oil and gas exports, resulting in increased rivalry for fossil fuel supplies and higher electricity costs. After the United States and Saudi Arabia, Russia is the world’s third-largest oil producer.