Southeast Asia eyes regional grid integration through Vietnam-led green energy link

Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam have signed a joint development agreement to explore renewable electricity exports from Vietnam, with offshore wind as a core source. The partnership links Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Malaysia), Sembcorp Utilities (Singapore), and PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation.

Vietnam’s renewable capacity, especially in offshore wind, is expected to act as a base for cross-border transmission. A subsea cable is being evaluated to connect Vietnam to Peninsular Malaysia’s grid, with future extension to Singapore. Storage solutions and permitting processes are under assessment.

This development aligns with the ASEAN Power Grid vision. Malaysia, chairing the May 2025 ASEAN Summit, is backing this effort to build regional energy resilience. Singapore’s 2035 target to import 6 GW of low-carbon electricity adds market certainty for regional suppliers.

The consortium views this initiative as a first step in building transnational clean energy infrastructure. If implemented, it may establish a framework for other ASEAN nations to participate in cross-border renewable energy trade.