ASEAN officials visited France, Brussels and the UK on September 21 to 25 to explore ways to strengthen regional electricity connectivity. (UK Mission to ASEAN)
ASEAN is drawing on European expertise to advance its regional electricity grid following a study visit to France, Brussels and the UK from September 21 to 25, 2026.
The visit gathered representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the ASEAN Power Grid Consultative Committee. The programme was jointly organised by ACE, the French government through Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the UK government, in partnership with the European Union.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to advance the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), including implementation of its Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding and the ASEAN Submarine Power Cable Development Framework.
During the visit, delegates explored how European countries plan, finance and operate electricity interconnectors across national borders. Meetings with regulators, system operators, financiers and industry representatives addressed regulatory arrangements, infrastructure development and coordination between neighbouring power systems. Visits to Nexans’ high-voltage facilities in Calais and the IFA2 converter station in Hampshire provided further insight into the technical requirements of cross-border transmission.
Securing investment remains a significant hurdle for such projects, which involve substantial upfront costs, complex political considerations and long-term financial returns. Discussions therefore focused on improving project preparation, establishing reliable regulatory frameworks and allocating risks to encourage sustained investment.
ACE Executive Director Dato Razib Dawood said regional interconnection could help ASEAN harness renewable energy resources while strengthening energy security. He also highlighted the value of learning from other regions while developing an approach suited to ASEAN’s circumstances.
France and the UK reiterated their support for the initiative through technical cooperation, financing and knowledge-sharing. French and European expertise could help bridge ASEAN’s regional objectives with national priorities, while UK Ambassador to ASEAN Helen Fazey stressed the importance of trusted institutions and partnerships.
This visit reinforced the need for coordinated action across governments, utilities, regulators and investors to turn ASEAN’s regional electricity ambitions into practical outcomes.
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