Challenges in Shaping Sustainable Energy Policy in Greater Mekong Subregion

Struggling with energy shortages, increasing energy prices, and pressing concerns on environmental issues, policymakers are now under increasing pressure to reconsider their strategies regarding energy and green growth achievement. In particular, this led the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to focus on a new track to shape their energy policies. However, shaping energy policy remains to be a challenge, as countries in the subregion share different capacities, resources, and cooperation circumstances. Energy cooperation in the GMS has emerged since the establishment of the Nam Ngum 1 hydropower dam in Lao PDR in the early 1970s. As it is market driven, the establishment of the hydropower dam has allowed the development of the energy sector, increasing its contribution to economic growth. On the other hand, it seems to give energy- and resource-dependent countries no option but accept importers’ requirements. As a result, energy sector development has changed from power plant construction to power grid and transmission line development projects. Later, as the world shifted its focus on climate change mitigation and net-zero emissions, energy policymakers took a U-turn to develop the energy sector by focusing more on clean energy. It is challenging for the GMS whether the administrations decide to change to renewable power sources or struggle with energy shortages. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen energy cooperation in the subregion to shape sustainable energy policies regarding political, economic, social, and technological conditions.