In a major leap forward for regional energy security, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Electricite Du Laos (EDL), and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) have officially signed the Energy Wheeling Agreement Phase 2 (EWA Phase 2). This tripartite agreement serves as the backbone for the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project Phase 2 (LTMSPIP 2.0), facilitating the transmission of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from Laos to Singapore, utilizing the grids of Thailand and Malaysia as the designated wheelers.
This agreement is a definitive step in realizing the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative. By completing the implementation of LTMS-PIP 2.0, the total cross-border trading capacity now rises to 200MW, combining the wheeling from Laos with additional energy supplies from Malaysia. The two-year contract governs the sale, transmission, and purchase of electricity via existing interconnection facilities across the four nations.
The signing ceremony took place at the EGAT Headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Key signatories included EDL Deputy MD Souksavart Sosouphanh, EGAT Governor Dr. Narin Phoawanich, and TNB Chief Grid Officer Hasmarizal Hassan. The strategic importance of the event was underscored by the attendance of high-level dignitaries, including Thailand’s Permanent Secretary of Energy, Dr. Prasert Sinsukprasert; Laos’ Director General of Policy and Planning, Santisouk Phimphachanh; and Malaysia’s Deputy Secretary-General (Energy) of PETRA, Mareena Mahpudz.
EDL’s Souksavart Sosouphanh expressed pride in the partnership: “EDL is honoured to continue the success of LTMS-PIP. As the forerunner in providing clean energy to the ASEAN region… we are proud to be an asset to the realisation of the APG. We hope this project will advance the vision of APG and look forward to seeing more countries involved.”
EGAT Governor Dr. Narin Phoawanich echoed these sentiments, noting that expanding cross-border trade strengthens grid resilience. “By supporting the development of APG, EGAT remains committed to delivering reliable, sustainable electricity from Lao PDR to Singapore… supporting regional efforts towards a low-carbon and interconnected power system.”
TNB President/CEO Datuk Ir. Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan highlighted the governance aspect, stating that EWA Phase 2 underscores the multilateral cooperation necessary for the APG. “As a key player in the APG, TNB remains committed to enhancing regional energy security while leading the energy transition agenda,” he said, pledging unwavering support to Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). This agreement complements TNB’s September 2024 Energy Supply Agreement with Keppel Electric, solidifying the framework needed to deliver secure, renewable energy across ASEAN borders.