SIPET Newsletter | March 2024
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For this March issue, SIPET Highlights provides additional information on efforts to accelerate work on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). This edition features insights from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), highlighting the economic case for full inter-regional power trading and power markets. Additionally, we are celebrating International Women’s Month and SIPET’s commitment to fostering inclusive environments in the clean energy sector.

Voices of Women in the Energy Sector
In celebration of International Women's Month, we reached out to our fellows to hear about their passions and visions within the energy sector: what drives them personally and their aspirations for the industry.
Nghiêm Thị Ngoan 
Energy Advisor of the Clean Affordable Secure Energy project (CASE) of GIZ Viet Nam

“Growing up in a rural area without electricity ignited my passion for advocating energy accessibility, especially in my hometown. I see more women taking leadership roles in the energy sector, as evidenced by their increasing presence in various positions and decision-making roles. With expanding job opportunities and women's perseverance, they are driving positive changes in the energy industry.”

Read her work here.
 
 

Nadhilah Shani
Senior Research Analyst from the Power, Fossil Fuel, Alternative Energy and Storage (PFS) Department, ASEAN Centre for Energy

“I believe that increasing the representation of women will bring numerous benefits. It is important to have role models who can inspire other women to contribute and voice their opinions in the energy sector. I truly believe in the empowering concept of 'women supporting women'.”

Read her insights on APG here.

 
 

Dr. Siripha Junlakarn
Research Fellow, Energy Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University

“I am drawn to the energy field because of its highly interdisciplinary nature, requiring expertise from various fields to address complex challenges. I am passionate about communicating these challenges to inspire the next generation, empowering them to innovate and develop better energy systems. While working with talented women is inspiring, it is undeniable that their underrepresentation in leadership roles persists. I believe that more women should reach these positions, as their diverse perspectives and talents are crucial in shaping the future of energy.”

 
 

The Case for Power System Connectivity as a Key and Cost-Effective Enabler of Energy Transition

In this month’s blog, Matthew Wittenstein, Chief of Section for Energy Connectivity at UN ESCAP, explains why integrating power systems across borders is a crucial enabler for ASEAN’s Energy Transition.

"I describe a key economic benefit—that, by one estimate, every $1 spent on grid infrastructure reduces system costs by $7.4. But I also describe the benefits of a regional power grid in terms of energy security and democratization."

Read the blog here.

 
 

USTDA and ACE Signed an Agreement to Advance Energy Integration in Indonesia-Malaysia

On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed a grant agreement with Indonesian national utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) for a feasibility study to support the development of two cross-border power interconnections between Indonesia and Malaysia. The study will be led by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and aims to facilitate efficient resource sharing, meet growing energy demands, enhance energy security, and implement clean energy policies in both countries.

Feasibility Study on PLN’s Indonesia-Malaysia Cross-border Interconnection Project

The Feasibility Study Project, supported by the USTDA, PLN, and ACE, aims to explore the potential for new cross-border power interconnections between Indonesia and Malaysia. To commence in early 2024, the study will examine technical, economic, financing, and environmental aspects to establish infrastructure prospects that enhance energy security and promote economic growth.

Project information can be found here.

 

Projects such as the one above are featured in SIPET's Project Mapping Tool, which currently includes more than 300 projects in the region. Would you like to include your project in the mapping tool? Sign up as a SIPET Member here.
Identifying Finance Needs for a Just Transformation of Indonesia’s Power Sector

Co-developed by the NewClimate Institute and the Institute for Essential Service Reforms (IESR) of Indonesia, the “JET-FIN” Tool is an open-source Excel model that helps kick-start the transition from fossil fuel reliance to clean technologies.
Industry Decarbonization Roadmaps for Indonesia: Opportunities and Challenges to Net-Zero Emissions

Co-written by IESR and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it presents sector-specific roadmaps, status, and pathways for deep decarbonization in five key industry sectors in Indonesia.
Renewable Energy to Responsible Energy: A Call to Action

Published by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities and Responsible Energy Initiative Philippines, this report provides insights into the future growth of utility-scale Renewable Energy in the Philippines and its current management by the public and private sectors.
ABOUT CASEThe Project "Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE)" aims to shift the energy sector narrative in Southeast Asia towards an evidence-based clean energy transition, with the aim to increase political ambition to comply with the Paris Agreement. SIPET is part of an effort by CASE to accomplish the shift of the energy sector narrative by supporting: (a) research and evidence, (b) transparency and mapping, (c) dialogue with non-energy sector stakeholders, (d) technical assistance on clean energy, and (e) promoting public discourse on the energy transition.CASE is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), and jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and international and local expert organisations in the area of sustainable energy transformation and climate change: Agora Energiewende and NewClimate Institute (regional level), the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) in Indonesia, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) in the Philippines, the Energy Research Institute (ERI) and Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) in Thailand.
Southeast Asia Information Platform for the Energy Transition (SIPET)c/o Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy (CASE) for Southeast Asia

193/140  Lake Rajada Office Complex, 35th floor, New Ratchadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Reach out to us:

Website: https://www.sipet.org  | Email: info@sipet.org | LinkedIn: Southeast Asia Information Platform for the Energy Transition - SIPET

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