Philippines plugs into Indonesian power link to shockproof energy supply
Efforts to establish links under the Asean Power Grid scheme would first need to overcome technical and political hurdles, experts say
While analysts hail the move as a crucial step to address domestic energy woes and unlock potential interests between neighbours, they also point to geographical and supply-chain challenges.
Such plans, which could see power links from Indonesia being routed through southern Philippines, would require close coordination, Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said – “either bilaterally with Indonesia or through a multilateral Asean forum”.
Manila, as this year’s Asean chair, has been at the forefront of advancing the enhanced programme amid rising electricity demand across the region.
At this week’s Asean Foreign Ministerial Meetings, officials released a joint statement voicing grave concern over renewed tensions between the United States and Iran and called for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.