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SINGAPORE : ASEAN countries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a power grid throughout the 10-member grouping.
This network will be part of ASEAN's strategy to have energy market integration.
Currently, such links are only on a bilateral basis.
It's also hoped the power grid will allow ASEAN countries to optimise energy resources.
During the energy meet in Singapore on Thursday, ASEAN energy ministers agree that with economic progress in the region, the need for energy demand will also increase.
But there is a fine balance too when it comes to environmental protection.
The key to reducing CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions will be energy efficiency, such as greener buildings that cut energy usage.
"What we'll be doing is try to manage the amount of energy used in day to day lives through appliances, building efficiencies, vehicular efficiencies and so on. These will have a substantial impact if they can be effectively followed through. That will yield significant benefits for all the economies," says S Iswaran, Minister of State for Trade & Industry.
The search for alternatives to fossil fuel will be another focus.
In balancing the need for energy demand and the care of the environment, the use of nuclear power the ministers say, is now a viable option.
Vietnam, for example, is about seven years away from its goal of having nuclear energy.
And with that in mind, ASEAN is setting up a framework to look into nuclear issues.
"Nuclear is now coming back, there are probably about 30 nuclear plants under construction worldwide. If you are really concerned about global warming, I believe that nuclear is an option that should not be ignored," said Dr Piyasvasti Amranand, Thailand's Energy Minister.
"It would be totally irresponsible for any government to ignore nuclear because I do not believe that energy conservation or renewable energy alone can solve and reduce the emission of green house gases," he added.
The ministers also stressed that these are but a range of options available. CNA /ls
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