Southeast Asia’s efforts to prepare for another major energy disruption could take years, as countries work to strengthen their infrastructure and build up emergency fuel supplies, Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said on Oct 27.
Speaking on the sidelines of Singapore International Energy Week, Ms. Garin stated that while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations maintains an agreement for member states to assist one another during supply shortages, not all nations are ready to respond to another crisis. The region continues to grapple with uncertainty over energy supplies following disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East. According to Ms. Garin, reactionary approaches cannot solve long-term problems, describing the situation as a wakeup call.
Building Infrastructure and Fuel Stockpiles in the Philippines
To address these vulnerabilities, the Philippines has begun constructing its first government fuel stockpiling facility. The country is also revising regulations to protect consumers from sudden price surges, alongside updates to laws, infrastructure, and funding models.
Despite concerns over fuel price volatility, Ms. Garin confirmed that liquefied natural gas will continue to play a role in the nation’s energy mix as renewable generation expands. LNG provides flexible power generation capacity to support intermittent renewable sources when solar or wind generation drops. The Philippines aims to increase renewable energy in its power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, while also increasing natural gas use to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
Did You Know? In 2025, the existing renewable fleet saved Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines around USD 5.7 billion in coal and gas purchases, according to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Bilateral Agreements and the ASEAN Power Grid
Progress on the long-discussed ASEAN power grid will depend on individual countries reaching agreements on cross-border electricity connections, according to Ms. Garin. While ASEAN member states reached a consensus on an enhanced memorandum of understanding for the regional power grid, Ms. Garin noted that the document represents a political or community declaration rather than an immediate greenlight for construction.
For the Philippines, realizing these interconnections involves negotiating bilateral agreements with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Regarding a potential undersea power connection between the Philippines and Indonesia, Ms. Garin noted that differences in electricity pricing regulations must be reconciled, a suitable infrastructure route agreed upon, and commercial viability ensured so that developers find the investment worthwhile.
ASEAN power grid progress depends on bilateral agreements
When did Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin make these remarks?
Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin made her remarks on Oct 27 while speaking on the sidelines of Singapore International Energy Week.
What specific infrastructure project has the Philippines begun constructing?
The Philippines has begun constructing its first government fuel stockpiling facility as part of its efforts to prepare for future energy disruptions.
What are the Philippines’ targets for renewable energy generation?
The Philippines aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
How will regional energy cooperation and bilateral negotiations shape the timeline for Southeast Asia’s power grid development in the coming years?
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