Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos have formed a working group to push cross-border electricity trade, inching closer to the ASEAN Power Grid vision.
On 3 June, the Ministries of Trade and Industry of Singapore, Energy and Mines of Laos, and Mines and Energy of Cambodia shook hands and kicked off the working group, setting up three main goals.
The team will create a comprehensive framework to support the development of cross-border electricity trading projects within ASEAN, starting with collaboration between the three countries.
The group will also streamline regulatory processes and licensing procedures for generating, exporting, and importing electricity. This includes simplifying the application and permitting processes for subsea surveys and the installation of cross-border subsea power cables.
Finally, the members will explore ways to facilitate commercial agreements and promote the development of generation and transmission infrastructure, ensuring smooth cross-border electricity trading among the three nations.
The inaugural meeting of the working group was co-chaired by Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, Laos’ Vice-Minister for Energy and Mines Chansaveng Boungnong, and Cambodia’s Minister for Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak.
During the gathering, Vice-Minister Chansaveng highlighted the project’s importance for Laos, emphasizing its role in achieving the ASEAN Power Grid and leveraging the country’s green energy resources to meet regional clean energy goals. He expressed hope that the project would attract further investment in renewable energy in both Laos and the region.
Tan also expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting that the working group aims to create a framework for cross-border electricity trade and address subsea power cable issues in ASEAN. He further encouraged other regional partners to join the initiative.
Minister Rottanak from Cambodia echoed this enthusiasm, noting that their efforts to advance the ASEAN Power Grid and share clean energy efficiently set a strong example. He hoped the partnership would inspire other ASEAN nations to join in building a sustainable and interconnected energy network.
LOCA, Laos’s leading mobility service provider, has received significant funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through ADB Frontier, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This investment will enable LOCA to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet and EV charging network across the country.
Founded in 2018, LOCA announced its EV ambition in 2021 when Laos had only 40 EVs. Today, the company operates a fleet of 1,000 drivers, including 600 EV drivers and 150 women drivers. LOCA aims to achieve 100 percent EV integration by 2030 and will cease accepting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles after 2025.
Souliyo Vongdala, Co-founder and CEO of LOCA (photo supplied)
“This funding from ADB Frontier, supported by USAID, is a huge boost for LOCA and the future of e-mobility in Laos,” said Souliyo Vongdala, Co-founder and CEO of LOCA. “It validates our vision and strengthens our resolve to create a cleaner, greener transportation network.”
With Laos adding 500 new EVs each month, LOCA’s platform now hosts over 10 percent of the country’s EVs. The company is a leader in the EV charging market, capturing over 80 percent of all EV drivers. With 24 charging stations already operational and plans to reach 40 by the end of 2024, LOCA is driving the charge towards a more sustainable future.
Phonepasong Mixab, Co-founder and Co-CEO of LOCA (photo supplied)
“The support from ADB and USAID not only empowers us to expand our fleet but also to enhance our charging infrastructure, ensuring that EV drivers have the necessary support and convenience,” added Phonepasong Mixab, Co-founder and Co-CEO of LOCA. “This is a crucial step in our mission to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation in Laos.”
LOCA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned widespread support from drivers, customers, and its dedicated team. This new funding is set to accelerate LOCA’s efforts, providing the necessary resources to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging stations.
“This investment is a testament to the incredible progress we’ve made in a short time,” said Souliyo Vongdala. “We are incredibly grateful to our drivers, customers, and team for their unwavering support. Together, we are driving towards a greener and more sustainable future for Laos.”
With this funding, LOCA is poised to continue leading the charge in the e-mobility revolution in Laos, setting a high standard for sustainable transportation solutions in the region.
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) have agreed to deepen their engagement, which will bridge the gap between disaster monitoring and response across Southeast Asia.
During a working visit to Jakarta on 17 May, a delegation of officials from the MRC Member Countries and Secretariat headed by the Chief Executive Officer, Anoulak Kittikhoun, signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the AHA Centre, represented by Executive Director Lee Yam Ming.
The MOI aims to formalize the partnership between these two inter-governmental agencies in disaster monitoring, forecasting, and response; joint training and capacity building; mutual exchange of expertise and experience; and other technical cooperation, including scientific research. It is under the umbrella of the ASEAN-MRC Cooperation Framework.
“This MOI represents a major step in uniting our expertise and resources,” Kittikhoun said. “It bridges the critical gap between disaster monitoring and disaster response, ensuring our region is better prepared for emergencies and our vulnerable communities are better protected.”
Sharing Kittikhoun’s perspective, the AHA Centre’s Executive Director expressed similar sentiments.
“The MOI marks a significant milestone in the history of AHA Centre-MRC relations,” Lee said. “We want to make a positive impact on the people of ASEAN, through better exchange of data and information on disaster monitoring that will make a difference in our disaster preparedness and response endeavors.”
In 2022, Asia experienced 137 out of the 388 global disasters, impacting more than 64 million people and causing almost USD 50 million in damages, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Floods were particularly common, accounting for about 40 percent of all natural disasters worldwide and nearly 70 percent of disasters in ASEAN from 2012 to 2022.
The AHA Centre, with its partners, facilitates cooperation and coordination among ASEAN Member States for disaster management and emergency response in the region. The MRC
acts as a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub, promoting dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin, and providing vital services such as monitoring water levels and forecasting floods and droughts in the Mekong.
Laos, Singapore, Cambodia Unite to Facilitate Cross-Border Electricity Trade
Singapore, Cambodia, and Laos have formed a working group to push cross-border electricity trade, inching closer to the ASEAN Power Grid vision.
On 3 June, the Ministries of Trade and Industry of Singapore, Energy and Mines of Laos, and Mines and Energy of Cambodia shook hands and kicked off the working group, setting up three main goals.
The team will create a comprehensive framework to support the development of cross-border electricity trading projects within ASEAN, starting with collaboration between the three countries.
The group will also streamline regulatory processes and licensing procedures for generating, exporting, and importing electricity. This includes simplifying the application and permitting processes for subsea surveys and the installation of cross-border subsea power cables.
Finally, the members will explore ways to facilitate commercial agreements and promote the development of generation and transmission infrastructure, ensuring smooth cross-border electricity trading among the three nations.
The inaugural meeting of the working group was co-chaired by Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, Laos’ Vice-Minister for Energy and Mines Chansaveng Boungnong, and Cambodia’s Minister for Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak.
During the gathering, Vice-Minister Chansaveng highlighted the project’s importance for Laos, emphasizing its role in achieving the ASEAN Power Grid and leveraging the country’s green energy resources to meet regional clean energy goals. He expressed hope that the project would attract further investment in renewable energy in both Laos and the region.
Tan also expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting that the working group aims to create a framework for cross-border electricity trade and address subsea power cable issues in ASEAN. He further encouraged other regional partners to join the initiative.
Minister Rottanak from Cambodia echoed this enthusiasm, noting that their efforts to advance the ASEAN Power Grid and share clean energy efficiently set a strong example. He hoped the partnership would inspire other ASEAN nations to join in building a sustainable and interconnected energy network.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/06/04/laos-singapore-cambodia-unite-to-facilitate-cross-border-electricity-trade/
LOCA Secures Funding from ADB Frontier to Expand Electric Vehicles Fleet, Charging Network
LOCA, Laos’s leading mobility service provider, has received significant funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through ADB Frontier, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This investment will enable LOCA to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet and EV charging network across the country.
Founded in 2018, LOCA announced its EV ambition in 2021 when Laos had only 40 EVs. Today, the company operates a fleet of 1,000 drivers, including 600 EV drivers and 150 women drivers. LOCA aims to achieve 100 percent EV integration by 2030 and will cease accepting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles after 2025.
“This funding from ADB Frontier, supported by USAID, is a huge boost for LOCA and the future of e-mobility in Laos,” said Souliyo Vongdala, Co-founder and CEO of LOCA. “It validates our vision and strengthens our resolve to create a cleaner, greener transportation network.”
With Laos adding 500 new EVs each month, LOCA’s platform now hosts over 10 percent of the country’s EVs. The company is a leader in the EV charging market, capturing over 80 percent of all EV drivers. With 24 charging stations already operational and plans to reach 40 by the end of 2024, LOCA is driving the charge towards a more sustainable future.
“The support from ADB and USAID not only empowers us to expand our fleet but also to enhance our charging infrastructure, ensuring that EV drivers have the necessary support and convenience,” added Phonepasong Mixab, Co-founder and Co-CEO of LOCA. “This is a crucial step in our mission to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation in Laos.”
LOCA’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned widespread support from drivers, customers, and its dedicated team. This new funding is set to accelerate LOCA’s efforts, providing the necessary resources to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and charging stations.
“This investment is a testament to the incredible progress we’ve made in a short time,” said Souliyo Vongdala. “We are incredibly grateful to our drivers, customers, and team for their unwavering support. Together, we are driving towards a greener and more sustainable future for Laos.”
With this funding, LOCA is poised to continue leading the charge in the e-mobility revolution in Laos, setting a high standard for sustainable transportation solutions in the region.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/05/27/loca-secures-funding-from-adb-frontier-to-expand-electric-vehicles-fleet-charging-network/
Regional Partners Cooperate to Enhance Disaster Monitoring, Response in ASEAN
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) have agreed to deepen their engagement, which will bridge the gap between disaster monitoring and response across Southeast Asia.
During a working visit to Jakarta on 17 May, a delegation of officials from the MRC Member Countries and Secretariat headed by the Chief Executive Officer, Anoulak Kittikhoun, signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the AHA Centre, represented by Executive Director Lee Yam Ming.
The MOI aims to formalize the partnership between these two inter-governmental agencies in disaster monitoring, forecasting, and response; joint training and capacity building; mutual exchange of expertise and experience; and other technical cooperation, including scientific research. It is under the umbrella of the ASEAN-MRC Cooperation Framework.
“This MOI represents a major step in uniting our expertise and resources,” Kittikhoun said. “It bridges the critical gap between disaster monitoring and disaster response, ensuring our region is better prepared for emergencies and our vulnerable communities are better protected.”
Sharing Kittikhoun’s perspective, the AHA Centre’s Executive Director expressed similar sentiments.
“The MOI marks a significant milestone in the history of AHA Centre-MRC relations,” Lee said. “We want to make a positive impact on the people of ASEAN, through better exchange of data and information on disaster monitoring that will make a difference in our disaster preparedness and response endeavors.”
In 2022, Asia experienced 137 out of the 388 global disasters, impacting more than 64 million people and causing almost USD 50 million in damages, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Floods were particularly common, accounting for about 40 percent of all natural disasters worldwide and nearly 70 percent of disasters in ASEAN from 2012 to 2022.
The AHA Centre, with its partners, facilitates cooperation and coordination among ASEAN Member States for disaster management and emergency response in the region. The MRC
acts as a regional platform for water diplomacy and a knowledge hub, promoting dialogue and cooperation in the Lower Mekong River Basin, and providing vital services such as monitoring water levels and forecasting floods and droughts in the Mekong.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/05/24/regional-partners-cooperate-to-enhance-disaster-monitoring-response-in-asean/