ASEAN INSTITUTIONS

Each programme area of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 1999-2004 will be handled respectively by the appropriate energy subsector organisation of ASEAN. ACE shall further facilitate the task of the other ASEAN energy subsector organisations, such as in planning, fund sourcing and technical coordination. The division of tasks and institutional arrangements under this plan of action are clearly defined in following sections:

ASEAN Power Grid

This programme area will be handled by the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities and Authorities (HAPUA). Towards the realisation of the electricity interconnection projects, several implementation modalities have already been established between and among project partners. The project partners are responsible for the management, coordination, evaluation and implementation of interconnection projects while HAPUA provides technical guidance. So far, the approach has primarily been on a project by project basis. Later on, as the individual electricity networks are linked to form part of the APG, a comprehensive regional perspective on the institutional responsibilities will be worked out.

Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline

The implementation of this project is the direct responsibility of the ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE) through the auspices of the ASEAN Energy Ministers. ASCOPE will operationalise in 1999 the Trans-ASEAN Gas Task Force which will eventually implement the TAGP plan of action in collaboration with national focal points and relevant institutions, particularly ACE and the ASEAN Secretariat to coordinate and closely monitor the approved activities of the action plan. The Task Force is responsible for the successful execution and conclusion of some of the actions entrusted to them by ASCOPE. Likewise, the Task Force will be responsible for advising ASCOPE and other relevant project partners including the private sector on collaborative activities and follow-up actions pertaining to specific strategy and action.

Coal

The newly established ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC), formerly the ASEAN Coal Subsector Network will implement the action plan on coal. ACE shall provide technical support and continue to participate in the planning and implementation of the plan of action. The participation of the private sector shall be encouraged to suggest projects where the public authorities could help in the facilitation of private investments. Initially, the Forum will be public sector-led until such time that its participants realise the need for it to become a full pledged organisation established through private sector initiatives.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Subsector Network, in close coordination with ACE, and national focal points of all ASEAN Member Countries will spearhead the implementation of the action plan. The participation of the AEBF and the private sector shall be sustained in order to involve commercial and business entities in the deliberations of possible energy efficiency projects in the region.

New and Renewable Sources of Energy

The New and Renewable Sources of Energy Subsector Network shall lead in the realisation of the action plan. To develop a regional perspective in the development, promotion and commercialisation of renewable energy technologies, close working relationship shall be forged with ACE and the private sector. Likewise, the Network shall tap the AEBF as a coordinative platform, at regional level, that should result to the promotion and participation of the private sector in renewable energy business. Initially, two renewable energy projects of ACE, namely; the Promotion of Renewable Energy Systems in Southeast Asia (PRESSEA) and the ASEAN Joint Minihydro Programme will be implemented with the active participation of the Network.

Regional Energy Outlook, Energy Policy and Environmental Analysis

ACE will spearhead the implementation of the action plan with the active involvement of ASEAN national focal points. Such involvement should result in the promotion of regional outlook researches and conduct of policy and environmental studies. One project that will address this concern is the ASEAN-Australia Energy Cooperation Programme (AAECP): Phase 3 on "Energy Policy and Systems Analysis Project" to be hosted by ACE. The project will establish regional and national project committees to coordinate project activities particularly in institutionalizing the use of MARKAL planning software.