Brother Johari saw the framework together with ASEAN energy integration

BANGKOK, 15 September: ASEAN needs to create a common framework and platform to accelerate the process of realizing its power grid, thereby enabling more effective cross-border sharing in the region.

Sarawak Prime Minister, Datuk Tinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the joint framework is important for aligning the regulatory aspects as well as energy pricing mechanisms between member states.

He said that without a consensually agreed understanding and framework, efforts to connect the energy systems of ASEAN countries would face challenges to fully realize.

"ASEAN needs to have a framework, shared platform and understanding among member states to realize these energy ties", he said during the fireside chat session of GASTECH 2026 in Bangkok on Monday.

Johari said ASEAN does not necessarily have to develop a new approach, but instead can take inspiration from the energy integration model in Europe and adapt it to the needs of the ASEAN region.

"We don't have to invent anything new, instead we look at how the European Union manages its energy grid and adapts it to the ASEAN environment", he said.

He said that Sarawak is ready to play an important role in the effort based on the renewable energy potential it has.

With Sarawak's overcapacity, Brother Johari said it opens up space to supply energy to neighbouring countries including Singapore, Brunei

The energy sharing is clearly not just an economic opportunity for Sarawak, but part of a larger effort to strengthen ASEAN's energy security and sustainability.

He emphasized that economic growth and decarbonisation must go hand in hand, with Sarawak taking advantage of a combination of hydro, solar, biomass, gas as well as new technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCUS).

In the meantime, he saw gas as a low-carbon transition fuel that still plays an important role in industrial development.

He said it included the petrochemical sector and alternative fuel production such as methanol and ammonia.

As for hydrogen, Brother Johari expects technological advances to help reduce its production costs in the period between 2030 and 2035.

When asked what he wanted to see as Sarawak's new identity by 2030, Brother Johari said the state wants to be known as an energy supplier and partner to ASEAN.

"We provide energy to ASEAN and share this energy to drive economic growth and the future of Sarawak", he said.

He said that energy sharing is essential to enable the countries of the region to continue moving together to meet future energy needs.

The vision places Sarawak as a key player in ASEAN energy integration, as electricity demand and low-carbon energy needs continue to increase. - TVS