Executive Summary

This document serves as a blueprint for ASEAN cooperation in the field of energy for the period 1999 to 2004, the first phase of implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2020 as prescribed by the Hanoi Plan of Action of 1998.

This plan covers the energy component of the Hanoi Plan of Action which directs the ASEAN towards the following objectives for 1999-2004: (1) to ensure security and sustainability of energy supply, efficient utilisation of natural energy resource in the region and the rational management of energy demand, with due consideration of the environment; and (2) to institute the policy framework and implementation modalities by 2004 for the early realisation of the Trans-ASEAN energy networks covering the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Projects as a more focused continuation of the medium- term programme of action (1995-1999).

Six programme areas have been identified as the focus for the plan of action, namely: (1) ASEAN Power Grid; (2) Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline; (3) Energy Efficiency and Conservation; (4) New and Renewable Sources of Energy; (5) Coal; and (6) Regional Energy Outlook, Energy Policy and Environmental Analysis. Each programme area is defined with specific objectives, strategies and actions summarised in a matrix for easy reference (Annex 1). Each of the six programme areas is matched with a corresponding subsector organisation of the ASEAN that is committed to principally implement the required actions/projects. The organisations are: (1) the ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE), (2) the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA), (3) the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C-SSN) Subsector Network, (4) the New and Renewable Sources of Energy Subsector Network (NRSE-SSN) Subsector N, (5) the ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC), and (6) the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). The detailed work programme, fund sourcing, budget and other implementing arrangements shall be prepared by these organisations based on the plan of action approved by the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) and the ASEAN Minister's of Energy Meeting (AMEM) (Annex 2).

ACE is also tasked to facilitate and technically coordinate the work of the other implementing organisations such as in the conduct of project preparation, feasibility studies, sourcing of funds and other services that the member countries, through SOME and the ASEAN Secretariat, may consider necessary. The SOME, jointly with the ASEAN Secretariat through ACE, shall coordinate, manage and monitor the implementation of this plan. The ASEAN Secretariat shall further provide the program coordination and other requirements with the other ASEAN coordinating bodies and the ASEAN dialogue partners.