A key initiative under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016–2025, and the newly endorsed APAEC 2026–2030, is the development of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). The APG serves as a cornerstone of ASEAN's energy transition strategy, offering a pathway for regional energy solidarity, sustainability and security through integration of renewable and low-carbon sources.

Progress on the APG, which has been advancing for decades, has gathered renewed momentum through various regional initiatives and efforts—including, but not limited to, the LTMS-PIP pathfinder project and Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. At the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in October 2025, ASEAN signed the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the APG, adopted Terms of Reference (ToR) for APG Bodies, and endorsed the ToR for the ASEAN Subsea Power Cable Development Framework. This framework highlights four enablers for submarine power cables—(i) legal and regulatory, (ii) technical, (iii) commercial, and (iv) governance—marking milestones toward APG implementation by 2045.

The development of the APG encompasses infrastructure development, transmission, distribution, and power trading, with transmission infrastructure central to grid operationalization.​ Against this background, this regional forum will initiate dedicated discussion on legal considerations for subsea transmission infrastructure and examine the international legal framework as well as relevant case studies to identify insights for APG governance.

Email cil.events@nus.edu.sg / cil.energy@nus.edu.sg / chaudo@nus.edu.sg for enquiries.