ASEAN Centre for Energy

💡 On perspective this week!
🗞 ASEAN Biofuels and Energy Security: Building Resilience Beyond Blending
✍ Zahrah Zafira, Tharinya Supasa, Monika Merdekawati

Biofuels are becoming an increasingly important part of ASEAN’s transport energy security strategy. They are deployable today, compatible with existing vehicles and fuel infrastructure, and can help reduce exposure to imported fossil fuels.

Indonesia’s B40 mandate and Thailand’s long-running gasohol programme show that first-generation biofuels are already operating at material scale in the region. But as blending mandates expand, a harder question emerges: can biofuels strengthen resilience without creating new affordability and sustainability risks?

In this analysis, we examine why ASEAN’s biofuel strategy needs to move beyond blending mandates alone. Building true resilience will require better affordability support, stronger lifecycle accounting and MRV, and a clearer pathway for higher-integrity second-generation biofuels to scale over time.

🔗 Read the full article: go.aseanenergy.org/OpEd

💡 Call for Proposal!

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is seeking consultants for the Green Climate Fund-Korea Development Bank (GCF-KDB) Project:

• Energy Efficiency Assessment Guideline for Financial Institutions
• Energy Efficiency Performance Benchmark Database
• Study on Improving ESCO Bankability in Indonesia: Pathways for Sustainable Growth
• Gender Action Plan Year 2 Implementation

📅 Submission Deadline: 10 June 2026
🔗 More info: aseanenergy.org/opportunities

💡 Call for Proposal!

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is seeking proposals for Human Resources Digitalisation System.

📅 Submission Deadline: 14 June 2026

🔗 More info: aseanenergy.org/opportunities

📍 The 9th Government-Private Forum on Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for ASEAN (CEFIA)

On 22 April, ACE and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan co-organised the 9th CEFIA Forum, held back-to-back with the 19th ASEAN+3 New and Renewable Energy (NRE) and Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C), and hosted by the Philippines Department of Energy (DOE).

Attended by over 200 participants online comprised of delegates from ASEAN Member States (AMS), private companies, academia, and international organisations, the forum aimed to facilitate collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the deployment of cleaner energy and low carbon technologies in the ASEAN region.

🔗 Read more: go.aseanenergy.org/ACENews

📢 [PRESS RELEASE] ACE, EDC, and EDL Sign Joint Study Framework to Advance Cambodia–Lao PDR Power Interconnection

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), and Electricité du Laos (EDL) have officially signed a Joint Study Framework (JSF) to advance the development of a dedicated cross-border electricity interconnection between Cambodia and Lao PDR. The signing ceremony was held on 25 May 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Through the JSF, ACE, EDC, and EDL will collaborate on a feasibility study and related assessments covering technical, regulatory, economic, commercial, environmental, and social dimensions, alongside implementation planning and capacity-building activities. The framework also establishes the Steering Committee and Working Committee to provide strategic oversight and technical coordination for the study.

Implemented under the ASEAN Power Grid Project Preparation Facility (APG-PPF), through the collaboration between ACE and the World Bank under the MPA-ASET programme, the initiative represents an important milestone in strengthening regional interconnection and enabling greater power trade. By connecting Cambodia’s evolving renewable energy ambitions with Lao PDR’s clean hydropower resources, the JSF contributes to the ASEAN Power Grid and ASEAN’s pursuit of a secure, affordable, resilient, and sustainable energy future.

🔗 Read more: go.aseanenergy.org/ACEPressRelease

📢 Job Vacancy!

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is seeking a talented individual to join the team:

• Legal Officer - Corporate Affairs Department

📅Application deadline: 7 June 2026
🔗 Learn more and apply at: aseanenergy.org/opportunities

The ACE Newsletter highlights how ASEAN countries are strengthening long-term energy security by expanding renewable energy deployment, enhancing power system flexibility, and exploring future low-carbon energy options.

This edition features Viet Nam’s commencement of an 800 MW floating solar power project, the Philippines’ acceleration of 200 renewable energy projects, and Malaysia’s launch of a 100 MW battery energy storage system project to support grid stability. It also covers Singapore’s planned nuclear infrastructure readiness assessment as part of its consideration of future energy supply options.

Stay informed on ASEAN’s energy transition and weekly highlights. Subscribe to our newsletter here:

👉 go.aseanenergy.org/ACEnewsletter

The ACE Newsletter highlights how ASEAN is responding to geopolitical disruptions by reinforcing regional energy security through stronger fuel supply resilience, deeper power connectivity, and measures to protect consumers from energy price volatility.

This edition features ASEAN Member States’ renewed focus on shared fuel reserves and the ASEAN Power Grid, including Lao PDR’s strategic role in regional electricity connectivity and Indonesia’s proposal to host a regional oil reserve storage hub. It also covers the Philippines’ policy to mitigate electricity price spikes and Viet Nam’s crude oil import from Congo to diversify supply sources and safeguard domestic fuel availability.

Stay informed on ASEAN’s energy developments and weekly highlights. Subscribe to our newsletter here:

👉 go.aseanenergy.org/ACEnewsletter

💡 Call for Proposal!

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is seeking proposals for Event Organiser to Co-Organise the ASEAN Energy & Climate Week: Methane Management and Low-Carbon Pathways.

📅 Submission Deadline: 3 June 2026

🔗 More info: aseanenergy.org/opportunities

📌 CEMAT Energy Manager Training Cohort 4

The CEMAT Energy Manager Training is now open for applications for its fourth cohort. Supported by the Asia Low Carbon Building Transition Project (ALCBT), the training is organised by the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC), and conducted in collaboration with the CapCEE project.

Selected participants will gain practical knowledge in energy management, connect with professionals and experts in Cambodia’s energy sector, and have the opportunity to become a Certified Cambodia Energy Manager. A 100% subsidy will be provided for selected participants.

Women professionals and students are strongly encouraged to apply and take part in advancing Cambodia’s sustainable energy future.
Save the dates:
📅 Training: 19–20 June and 2–4 July 2026
⏰ Application deadline: 6 June 2026, 5:00 PM, Cambodia time
👥 Limited seats: 25 participants only
🔗 Programme details and registration: https://cemat.itc.edu.kh/
For more information:
📞 +855 77 298 099
📲 Telegram: