Philippines plugs into Indonesian power link to shockproof energy supply
Efforts to establish links under the Asean Power Grid scheme would first need to overcome technical and political hurdles, experts say
Analysts hail the move as crucial for addressing domestic energy woes and unlocking mutual interests between neighbours, though they also point to geographical and supply-chain challenges.
Such plans, which could see power routed from Indonesia to the southern Philippines, would require close coordination “either bilaterally with Indonesia or through a multilateral Asean forum”, Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said.
As this year’s Asean chair, the Philippines has been at the forefront of efforts to advance the enhanced programme amid rising electricity demand across the region.
At this week’s Asean Foreign Ministerial Meetings, officials released a joint statement voicing grave concern over renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, and called for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.