CAPACITY BUILDING ON GMS POWER GRID INTERCONNECTION

Sustainable Energy And Environment

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BACKGROUND

Energy demand is rising as Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries – who enjoy cultural similarities and economic complementarities – have maintained impressive economic growth over the past two decades. This trend will continue, especially given the increased urbanization in the GMS. By some estimates, it is expected to triple between 2012 to 2025 nearly. Innovative energy solutions and cross-border power grid interconnection are crucial for GMS countries to address this surging demand. Regional cooperation in energy distribution, infrastructure, and cross-border interconnection will ensure efficient energy distribution to fuel regional economic growth. It is an established knowledge that increased power cooperation and grid interconnections could promote leveraging renewable energy resources, provide energy security and improve reliable and affordable energy access. As such, it can benefit by attracting more investments and job creation which could enhance the well-being of society and the country’s economic growth. China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG) and Mekong Institute (MI) reaffirmed the commitment to greater power interconnection and energy transition in the GMS by renewing the partnership in 2022. The CSG-MI Partnership will see further broader cooperation coverage. Beginning in 2015, The cooperation has been successfully facilitating twelve bilateral energy agreements, linking GMS policy leaders with international energy experts, and empowering 410 “power fellows” to advocate clean power connectivity across the region. The cooperation automated power distribution in Viet Nam and enhanced the power trading in the GMS at an impact level. The deployed activities for the next phase of 2022-2025 will strengthen the capacities of those in the energy field and broaden cooperation by enhancing multi-stakeholder engagement for sustainable and equitable clean energy development and practices.

Country of Implementation

Cambodia, P.R. China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam

Objectives

To support GMS countries in the energy transition and connectivity to a future energy system that provides affordable and clean energy to the people with the cross-border power grid interconnection through comprehensive approaches, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and LMC goals.

Approaches/ Components/ Activities

  • undertaking need-based research projects,
  • organizing capacity development training and seminars
  • establishing a consulting platform for governments and enterprises in the region,
  • facilitating cross-border trading methods and pricing mechanisms toward energy transition, and
  • disseminating information and raising public awareness over power cooperation through media.

Project partners

  • China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG)
  • CSG Yunnan International Co., Ltd. (YNIC)

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

Project Duration : First Phase (2015-2020), Second Phase (2022-2025)

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Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.