The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is navigating a pivotal moment as it addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid economic growth, urbanization, and increasing energy demands. The region’s transition towards renewable energy is driven by the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, diversify the energy mix, and mitigate the severe impacts of climate change. This shift is essential to ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy future while meeting the evolving needs of its dynamic economies.

In recognition of the critical role of energy in driving regional development, the Mekong Institute (MI) and China Southern Power Grid Lancang-Mekong Energy Consulting (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. (MECC) are co-hosting “Powering the Future: Tech-Driven Energy Solutions in the Greater Mekong Subregion” on November 28, 2024, in Vientiane. The event will spotlight innovative technologies, such as smart grids and digital solutions, while fostering discussions on sustainability, energy security, and regional cooperation. By bringing together key stakeholders, this event aims to chart a forward-thinking path for the GMS energy sector, emphasizing collaboration and technology-driven solutions to power a sustainable future.

The event is designed to catalyze this energy transition. Specially, it aims to:

• Identify and Promote Emerging Technologies: It seeks to identify and showcase cuttingedge technologies that have the potential to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability significantly. By highlighting these innovations, the event aims to inspire further research, investment, and adoption of advanced technologies across the region.
• Showcase National Practices for Scaling Up: It is to showcase successful national practices and initiatives that have effectively scaled up to the regional level. The event aims to facilitate cross-border learning and collaboration by sharing best practices and success stories, enabling other countries within the region to replicate and adapt successful models.
• Encourage Regional Cooperation: It is to foster greater regional cooperation in the development and implementation of tech-driven energy solutions. By bringing together stakeholders from across the GMS, the event aims to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and expertise, ultimately paving the way for joint initiatives and partnerships to address common energy challenges.

Members of the GMS countries, officials of government agencies, particularly those working in energy transition, energy technology, and digital innovation, development practitioners, and representatives from the private sector and research institutes are highly encouraged to join.