TransitionZero to Develop Open Source Energy Systems Model for the ASEAN Power Grid

Media release

London, 31 October 2023: TransitionZero, a climate analytics non-profit, is developing an open-source energy systems model for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). Through its cutting-edge modelling platform, TransitionZero will provide the APG initiative with valuable insights and expertise for the energy community to actively participate in the APG development process, supporting the region on its journey towards net zero.

The APG supports the sustainable development ambitions of the region by addressing energy challenges through the utilisation of renewable energy resources and cross-border power grid interconnectors, thereby laying the foundation for an integrated regional power market. ASEAN Member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, reiterated their commitment to developing the APG at the ASEAN Business Energy Forum in Bali, Indonesia, on August 23, 2023. During this event, five memoranda of understanding were signed between the ASEAN Centre for Energy and various partners, including utilities, development agencies, and development banks.

TransitionZero's modelling platform supports transparent, collaborative energy transition planning to help address the region’s energy affordability, security, and resiliency challenges. TransitionZero opens the so-called ‘black box’ of energy systems data, ensuring all partners and stakeholders within the APG initiative have access to the same tools and data, fostering deeper collaboration and transparency for this critical project. TransitionZero's APG model aims to empower ASEAN governments to collaborate on scenario analysis, to identify the most efficient, secure, and resilient pathways to decarbonise their electricity systems, with the ultimate goal being to support the development of workable energy investment plans.

Matt Gray, CEO and Co-founder, of TransitionZero: “TransitionZero is committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing for the energy transition. The APG is a crucial and ambitious project with many partners willing to contribute to its success. An open-source energy systems model for the ASEAN Power Grid encourages a transparent and inclusive approach to addressing the region's numerous energy challenges in order to reach its decarbonisation and development targets.”

Suji Kang, Program Director at the Asia Clean Energy Coalition: “By leveraging the power of the Future Energy Outlook tool and embracing an open-source ethos, we can better support an accelerated implementation and development of the ASEAN Power Grid, which could serve as a catalyst for economic growth, offering businesses a pathway to reliable, clean electricity procurement.”

Matthew Wittenstein, Chief of Section, Energy Division, ESCAP: “Interconnection is a cornerstone of the energy transition and necessary to enable the integration of high shares of renewable energy. TransitionZero’s plan of making data and models for the ASEAN Power Grid available to support stakeholder engagement and decision-making is very much in line with ESCAP’s priority areas of engagement under our Regional Road Map on Power System Connectivity, which includes strategies on grid planning and data sharing.”

About TransitionZero

TransitionZero is a climate analytics non-profit established in 2021. We build accessible, auditable and open energy transition planning products, supporting mission-aligned organisations. For more information on how your organisation or initiative can access our data and analytics, visit our website or contact us.

For media interviews, comments or press queries, contact:

Simone Huber - Communications and Marketing Manager, TransitionZero

simone@transitionzero.org