Australian tour powers energy storage progress in Southeast Asia

Australia is supporting Southeast Asia’s renewable energy transition by sharing energy storage expertise and technology with the region. 

The 25-member delegation from Malaysia, Thailand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Centre for Energy toured Western Australia and South Australia in November to meet with government and private sector counterparts who are spearheading energy storage capability in each state.

Australian Ambassador to ASEAN, Will Nankervis, explained the importance of energy connectivity in the region, with the sector one of ASEAN’s key pillars driving economic and sustainable growth.

“ASEAN has made clear the need to progress the energy transition, with Australia well placed to offer expertise and experience in using energy storage technologies to drive regional net-zero ambitions,” Ambassador Nankervis said.

“Energy storage plays a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability, flexibility, and sustainability of energy systems, as more renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grids of ASEAN Member States.”

Organised by Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) program, the energy storage study tour featured a series of meetings, site visits, and interactive sessions with key stakeholders in Perth and Adelaide. The tour provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the best practices and lessons learned in the Australian energy storage landscape.

While in Perth, the delegation met with Energy Policy WA and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to discuss the mechanisms used to improve market competitiveness and increase renewable energy supply. Discussions were also facilitated with battery energy storage, hydrogen fuel cell and electric charging operators, such as V-SUN, Horizon Power, ATCO, Western Power and Kwinana Industries Council.

In Adelaide, delegates participated in a roundtable with South Australian government officials from the Department of Energy and Mining to discuss the state’s decarbonisation strategy, net zero carbon emissions targets and energy resilience. Site visits were conducted to Torrens Island and Bolivar Power Stations to see battery energy storage systems and JET Charge demonstrated its vehicle to grid technology at a winery. The Australian Energy Market Operator also explained the country’s energy systems and markets.

Energy development in the region is a key priority for ASEAN and many countries in Southeast Asia. The ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2016-2025 is structured around four main pillars of energy cooperation, including measures to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, competitive energy markets, and energy resilience. 

To support the region’s green energy priorities, P4I is sharing Australian expertise and technology through study tours and government partnerships with energy agencies.