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Energy

Read the Subregional Electric Power Forum Terms of Reference [ PDF: 29kb | 3 pages ].

Read the RPTCC Terms of Reference [ PDF: 12kb | 1page ] and Agreements on Regional Power Trade [ PDF: 1,156kb | 25 pages ].

YEAR DATE ACTIVITY
2008 June Fifth Meeting of Planning Working Group (PWG-5),Sixth Meeting of Focal Group of Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (FG-6) (17-18 June 2008)
2007 November Fourth Meeting of Planning Working Group (PWG-4), Fifth Meeting of Focal Group of Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (FG-5) (20-21 November 2007)
May Second Regional Consultation on the GMS Energy Strategy (28-29 May 2007)
Sixth Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-6), Fourth Meeting of the Focal Group (FG-4), Third Meeting of the Planning Working Group (PWG-3) (16-18 May 2007)
2006 November Second Planning Working Group (PWG-2) and Third Focal Group FG-3) Meeting (7-10 November 2006)
July First Planning and Consultation Workshop on the GMS Energy Strategy (31 July 2006)
June Fifth Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-5) (13-16 June 2006)
Second Meeting of the Focus Group (FG-2) of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) (13-16 June 2006)
First Meeting of the Planning Working Group (PWG-1) of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) (13-16 June 2006)
January First Focal Group Meeting of Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) (12-13 January 2006)
2005 September Fourth Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-4) (21-22 September 2005)
April Third Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-3) (7-8 April 2005)
2004 December Second Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee Meeting (RPTCC-2) (1-2 December 2004)
11th Meeting of the Subregional Electric Power Forum (EPF-11) (3 December 2004)
July GMS Countries Formally Organize to Implement Power Trade in the Subregion, Guilin, PRC, 13-14 July 2004
2003 November GMS Countries Chart Concrete Work Plan for Developing Cross-Border Power Trade in the Subregion (18-19 November 2003)
June GMS Power Interconnection Meeting
2002 October GMS Countries Prepare for the Next Steps to Further Advance Regional Power Trade (10-11 October 2002)
May GMS Countries Close to Finalizing Both the Master Plan on Power Interconnection and the Agreement on Power Trade (29-30 May 2002)

Energy Archive

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Fifth Meeting of Planning Working Group (PWG-5) and Sixth Meeting of Focal Group of Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (FG-6) (Vientiane, Lao PDR, 17-18 June 2008)

Energy officials from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) met in Vientiane on 17-18 June 2008 for the 5th Planning Working Group (PWG-5) and 6th Focal Group (FG-6) meetings of the RPTCC. The meetings aimed to advance the progress of priority RPTCC studies and activities, with the view to moving the subregion closer to realizing initial power trade arrangements and reaping the economic benefits that power trade brings.

While attaining a competitive and fully integrated regional power market is the GMS region’s long term target, its current regulatory framework and transmission facilities do not currently meet the requirements of a competitive set-up. GMS studies thus recommended that the power market evolve through 4 stages, each of which is characterized by structural differences, such as cross-border transmission links, trading arrangements, type of regulator, and network security enforcement. The GMS market is expected to evolve from “cooperation” in stages 1 & 2, to “competition” in stages 3 & 4. Currently the GMS countries are just moving into Stage 1, in which the aim is to be able to use surplus or unutilized capacity in dedicated lines that are built as part of power projects covered by long term power purchase agreements (PPAs).

In the end, the recent PWG and FG meetings in Vientiane agreed on the following: (i) employing systematic consultation processes for data collection and addressing key issues in the performance standards and transmission regulation studies; (ii) recommending focus of additional training courses; (iii) launching the website/ database under GMS country ownership, guided by a handbook for administrators and users, in order to maximize its use as a platform for interaction and exchange of information on power activities; and (iv) examining the master plan model’s applicability and referencing it with the results of the GMS energy sector study and power development programs of GMS countries. For the RPTCC’s next priorities, it was agreed to focus on determining approaches to fully achieve the milestones in the power trade road map which were included in the MOU on power trade signed at the Third GMS Summit in Vientiane in March 2008. In order to complete stage 1 of power trade by 2010, work should commence shortly on such milestones as standard metering, identification of regulatory barriers, and the grid code. The next RPTCC meeting, planned to be held in Viet Nam later this year, should be able to agree on approaches for realizing these milestones.

For more details, please view entire proceedings of PWG-5 [ PDF: 381kb | 19 pages ] and FG-6 [ PDF: 255kb | 12 pages ].
  • PWG-5: Appendix 4 (Country Reports: Cambodia, PRC, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam)
  • FG-6: Appendix 3, Appendix 4.1, Appendix 4.2, Appendix 4.3, Appendix 4.4
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    Fourth Planning Working Group (PWG-4) and Fifth Focal Group (FG-5) Meetings of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC): Important Outputs of Priority Studies and Activities Reviewed, and New Directions Agreed; MOU on Power Trade Road Map to be Finalized Shortly (Da Nang, Viet Nam, 20-21 November 2007)

    The PWG-4 and FG meetings took stock of the report of the study on performance standards and agreed to review the future scope of the studies on performance standards and transmission regulation to ensure that these adequately address the GMS countries’ requirements. The meeting also considered additional training on power trading operations, which could utilize technical assistance resources being provided by various development partners. The meetings also agreed that PRC would host the power database and act as its regional coordinator. The Regional Power Master Plan report was also reviewed and the GMS representatives would submit additional comments to further refine the report. Country reports made by GMS representatives provided useful updates on generation and transmission projects crucial to building GMS power interconnectivity. The meetings agreed on the significance of the proposed MOU on the power trade road map, which will be refined/ simplified and re-distributed to the PWG/ FG members by the end of November 2007. The process of finalizing the MOU for possible signing at the Third Summit in Vientiane in March 2008 will be discussed in a special meeting in Bangkok on 14 December 2007.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings of PWG-4 [ PDF: 34kb | 6 pages ] and FG-5 [ PDF: 30kb | 4 pages ].

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    Second Regional Consultation on the GMS Energy Strategy: GMS Stakeholders Give Inputs on Intial Study Results, Suggest Next Steps (Bangkok, Thailand, 28-29 May 2007)

    The workshop discussed the current progress of the Energy Strategy Study and was participated in by 42 representatives from GMS governments, civil society organizations, private sector, academe, multilateral and other international development organizations. The project consultant, Integriertes Ressourcen Management of Austria, presented the initial results of the least-cost analyses for various scenarios using the planning model, MESSAGE (Model of Energy Supply Systems Alternatives and their General Environmental Impacts). The participants gave comments on the assumptions and data used and suggestions on how to further improve the study. Based on this feedback, a draft final report will be prepared and a series of national workshops will be held to discuss the results, culminating in a final regional workshop in October 2007.

    For more details, please visit report of the meeting.

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    Back-to-Back Meetings of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) and its Working Groups: GMS Countries Advance Progress of Priority Power Trade Activities and Agree to Adopt Action Plan to Map GMS Cooperation in Energy (Sanya, PRC, 16-18 May 2007)

    The Third Planning Working Group (PWG-3) and the Fourth Focal Group (FG-4) meetings were held back-to-back with the RPTCC-6 meeting in Sanya, PRC, on 16-18 May 2007. The PWG-3 and FG-4 meetings reviewed the progress and agreed on the next steps and timetable of the priority RPTCC studies and activities. For the studies on performance standards and transmission regulation, a joint workshop will be held in the week of 25 June 2007 in Bangkok to discuss the main findings, including methodologies of the studies. The dates and venues of the priority training courses were also agreed by the PWG-3/ FG-4 meetings. On the power master plan, a regional workshop will be held in PRC in the week of 25 June 2007 to validate the countries’ data and analyze preliminary results. The meetings also agreed that the database and website should be in place by the end of the year, and to realize this, engagement of database developer (software and hardware) would be fast-tracked. The status of the prioirity interconnections projects, namely the GMS Power Interconnection Phase I project (THA-LAO-VIE), the 500 kV GMS Transmssion Line project (PRC-LAO-THA) and the PRC-Viet Nam 500 kV Power Interconnection, were also discussed, which focused on the preparation constraints that would need to be monitored and addressed by the RPTCC in the near term. The FG-4 also provided GMS representatives with a briefing on private technology for power interconnection systems management, which could provide useful perspectives in planning subregional transmission grid development.

    The RPTCC-6 meeting meanwhile, included presentations on experiences in developing various energy markets (West Africa, Philippines, Europe and South America), which generated RPTCC members’ interest in cross-border markets practices that may be applied in the GMS context. The RPTCC-6 meeting also took note of the various ongoing and proposed development partner initiatives in support of the RPTCC work plan. The meeting clarified the needed actions to prepare the MOU on power trade that may be endorsed or signed at the Third GMS Summit next year. It agreed on the need for a new Action Plan on Energy for 2008-2012, containing priority cooperation projects to realize the subregion’s sector objectives, and which can serve as a monitoring tool on the progress of energy cooperation in the GMS. The meeting agreed to submit additional inputs to the draft Action Plan, particularly on key priority projects, by the end of May 2007. The meetings were co-hosted by the China Southern Power Grid Co. (CSG) of PRC and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    For more details, please view entire proceedings of PWG-3 [ PDF: 25kb | 4 pages ], FG-4 [ PDF: 34kb | 6 pages ] and RPTCC-6 [ PDF: 114kb | 14 pages ]

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    GMS Power Trade Program on steady course as countries agree on detailed work plans of the Planning Working Group(PWG) and Focal Group (FG) of RPTCC (Lijiang, PRC, 7-10 November 2006)

    The Second Planning Working Group (PWG-2) and the Third Focal Group (FG-3) meetings held in Lijiang, PRC, on 7-10 November 2006, agreed on the detailed activities and timeline for the studies on performance standards and transmission regulation. These are the priority studies earlier agreed to by the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) to harmonize national transmission systems in preparation for interconnection of national power systems required in power trading. The meetings also endorsed the courses, coverage and venues for the training program. Other substantive agreements reached, subject to additional comments by the countries, concerned the models to be used for the GMS power master plan, the concept/ design for the database and website, and the pricing, risk management, and other good practices for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). A road map was presented prescribing requirements for transitioning from one stage of power trading to another, and a proposed technical assistance from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) will help implement this road map in conjunction with the current assistance to the RPTCC being provided by the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD). The meetings also agreed to prepare an initial document on the power trade operating agreement (PTOA) for possible signing at the Third GMS Summit in Lao PDR in 2008.

    The meetings also took note of the progress of various planned priority GMS interconnection projects, namely: the GMS Power Transmission Line (PRC-LAO-THA), the GMS Power Interconnection Phase I (THA-LAO-VIE), and the GMS Power Interconnection Phase II (PRC-VIE) projects. As there are remaining project issues (such as reconciling economic/ financial assumptions and conducting additional technical studies), the GMS countries are nevertheless optimistic that future project meetings will lead to resolution of these issues in support of the RPTCC’s long-term goal of an interconnected GMS region. The meetings were co-hosted by the China Southern Power Grid Co. (CSG) of PRC and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    For more details, please view entire proceedings of PWG-2 [ PDF: 40kb | 7 pages ] and FG-3 [ PDF: 25kb | 3 pages ]

     

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    First Planning and Consultation Workshop on the GMS Energy Strategy (Bangkok, Thailand, 31 July 2006)

    The first planning and consultation workshop on the GMS Energy Strategy was held on 31 July 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop solicited views and recommendations on the focus and methodology of the study and centered on the theme balancing energy and environment for sustainable development in GMS. About 70 individuals including senior government officials and policy makers from the GMS member economies, representatives from academia, civil society, developments partners, and the private sector attended.

    For more details, please visit report of the meeting.

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    GMS Countries Establish Planning Working Group (PWG) on Power Trade; Priority Focal Group (FG) and RPTCC Activities Switch To High Gear (Siem Reap, Cambodia, 13 - 16 June 2006)

    The First Meeting of the Planning Working Group (PWG-1) was held back-to-back with the Second Focal Group (FG-2) and Fifth Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-5) meetings in Siem Reap, Cambodia in June 2006. The meetings were co-hosted by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) of Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    The PWG-1 meeting agreed on the procedural arrangements and authorities (electing PRC and Thailand as chair and co-chair, respectively) and discussed the terms of reference for specific PWG tasks, agreeing to focus initially on the study on performance standards and transmission regulation, as well as the preparation and implementation of the training program. The FG-2 meeting, with PRC as chair, discussed the progress and endorsed the next steps proposed by the PWG-1 for priority RPTCC activities, namely, preparing the GMS power master plan, developing the power sector database and website, and formulating best practices for power purchase agreements (PPAs).

    The RPTCC-5 meeting, with Lao PDR as chair, affirmed the work plan arising from the PWG and FG discussions on priority activities. In addition, the RPTCC-5 meeting noted the progress of various ongoing and planned ADB assistance to the GMS energy sector, namely:

    • the GMS Power Transmission Line (PRC-LAO-THA)
    • the GMS Power Interconnection Phase I (THA-LAO-VIE)
    • GMS Power Interconnection Phase II (PRC-VIE)
    • GMS Northern Power Transmission (LAO and THA)

    The RPTCC-5 meeting endorsed the next steps for these projects as agreed during the project-specific meetings held just before the PWG-1 meeting. The RPTCC-5 meeting lauded the proposed assistance by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) on facilitating sustainable, environment-friendly regional power trading, which would complement the assistance to the RPTCC being provided by Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD). Finally, the RPTCC-5 held a session on lessons derived from developing regional energy markets in Southeast Europe, which aims to enable RPTCC members to better respond to the challenges they face in laying out the next stages for cross-border power trading. The GMS countries agreed that the next PWG/ FG meetings would be held later this year, possibly back-to-back with another RPTCC meeting with Lao PDR still as chair. It was agreed that Myanmar would chair the RPTCC starting in 2007.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings of PWG-1 [ PDF: 29kb | 5 pages ], FG-2 [ PDF: 19kb | 3 pages ] and RPTCC-5 [ PDF: 61kb | 8 pages ]

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    GMS Countries Establish the Focal Group to Promote ower Trade; Agree on Priority Tasks (Hanoi, Viet Nam, 12-13 January 2006)

    The First Meeting of the Focal Group (FG-1) of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) was held in Hanoi, Viet Nam in January 2006; this was co-hosted by the Ministry of Industry (MOI) of Viet Nam and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The meeting reached important agreements to jump-start the FG program for promoting power trade arrangements, particularly with respect to:

    1. appointing the authorities (chair, co-chair)
    2. agreeing on communication channels and procedures
    3. prioritizing FG activities, and
    4. establishing the sub-groups for priority activities, particularly the Planning Working Group (PWG).

    The Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) was appointed chair for the next two years, while ADB was appointed co-chair. Coordinators were appointed to take the lead in undertaking the work for the following priority activities agreed to by the FG members: Lao PDR for the additional work for developing best practices for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for regional power trade; PRC for developing and maintaining a regional database on the GMS region’s power sector; and Thailand for developing the Regional Master Plan, which would harmonize the generation and transmission plans of the individual GMS members, with eventual interconnection in mind. The GMS members agreed to hold the meeting on rotational basis, and agreed to hold the next FG meeting back to back with the RPTCC meeting in Cambodia in June 2006.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings [ PDF: 43kb | 7 pages ].

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    RPTCC-4: GMS Countries Agree on Next Steps to Initiate Stage 1 of GMS Power Trade and to Prepare Priority Regional Interconnections (Yangon, Mynamar, 21-22 September 2005)

    The Fourth Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-4) was held in Yangon last September and co-hosted by the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) of Myanmar and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The RPTCC-4 meeting successfully deliberated on key institutional arrangements for the Stage 1 of the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (RPTOA), particularly on the establishment of the Focal Group (FG), its terms of reference (TOR) and the associated capacity building plan. Discussions on the practices and experience for regional power trade in other regions provided lessons for the design of GMS regional power market arrangements.

    Country presentations on RPTCC work plan activities led to substantive exchanges among GMS members on their respective power sector plans, and to affirmation of support for ADB-proposed TA projects on the energy sector strategy and the coordination and development of GMS power trade. Alternative routing via Southern Lao PDR would be explored for the GMS Power Interconnection project (Thailand- Lao PDR- Viet Nam), while follow-up work on the GMS Power Transmission Line project (PRC- Lao PDR- Thailand) would involve confirming economic viability and looking at benefit sharing and ownership models.

    The meeting agreed to hold the Energy Sector Forum meeting back-to-back with the RPTCC-5 meeting in Cambodia in April/ May 2006 (originally scheduled December 2005) to allow coverage of the initial findings of the energy sector strategy study and the update of the regional master plan study. The development partners affirmed their support to GMS power cooperation particularly in the areas of institution building, database development and infrastructure construction.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings [ PDF: 106kb | 12 pages ].

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    RPTCC-3: GMS Countries Agree On Draft Mou to Initiate Stage 1 of GMS Power Trade (Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7-8 April 2005)

    The Third Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-3) was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 7-8 April 2005 and co-hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft (MIH) of Lao PDR and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The RPTCC-3 meeting successfully deliberated on substantive improvements to the consultant's report on the study of the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (RPTOA), particularly on the institutional arrangements needed for initially implementing the RPTOA. The meeting's main outcome is the draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the guidelines for implementation of stage 1 of RPTOA. The MOU is expected to be finalized and signed by the time of the Second GMS Summit of Leaders in Kunming, PRC in July 2005.

    The RPTCC-3 meeting also updated the RPTCC work plan which covers the prioritized areas and programs for the next three years. This work plan was fully supported by the development partners present during the meeting, and specific cooperation programs and financing arrangements to channel grant support to the work plan is currently being prepared.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings [ PDF: 170kb | 23 pages ].

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    2nd Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee Meeting (RPTCC-2)

    The Second Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-2) was held Bangkok, Thailand on 1-2 December 2004 and co-hosted by the Energy Policy and Planning Office of the Ministry of Energy of Thailand and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    The RPTCC-2 meeting, participated in by nominees from all GMS member countries, discussed refinements to the consultant's report on the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA) and agreed that out of a draft of the full PTOA, an "Agreement on Basic Principles for Initiating Stage 1 of Regional Power Trade" would be drafted by March 2005, targeted for signing during the Second GMS Summit in July 2005. The RPTCC- meeting also adopted the work plan of the RPTCC, which includes creating the Technical Secretariat and other institutional mechanisms at the appropriate time.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings.

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    GMS Countries Plan to Expand Cooperation in the Energy Sector (Bangkok, Thailand, 3 December 2004)

    The 11th Meeting of the Subregional Electric Power Forum (EPF-11) was held back-to-back with the RPTCC-2 meeting in Bangkok, Thailand and co-hosted by the Energy Policy and Planning Office of the Ministry of Energy of Thailand and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). For EPF-11, the GMS representatives agreed to expand cooperation to include other energy sub-sectors such as oil, gas, and renewable energy, in a gradual manner as deemed necessary by the GMS members and agreed that the EPF will henceforth be upgraded to the Energy Sector Forum (ESF).

    The EPF-11 also agreed on criteria for prioritizing energy projects and programs in the GMS development matrix, and to ensure early identification of projects in the matrix to enhance the management of externalities arising from energy projects. The EPF participants also reiterated the importance of and need for expanded partnerships with some development partners active in GMS energy work.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings.

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    GMS Countries Formally Organize to Implement Power Trade in the Subregion (Guilin, PRC, 13-14 July 2004)

    The First Meeting of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC-1) was held in Guilin, PRC, on 13-14 July 2004 and co-hosted by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and China Southern Power Grid Co. (CSG) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

    The establishment of the RPTCC was provided for by the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Regional Power Trade (IGA), signed by all GMS countries in November 2002, to coordinate regional power trade in the GMS and more specifically, to oversee the formulation and adoption of the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA).

    The PTOA will prescribe operational guidelines for technical coordination, cross-border pricing and institutional framework for power trade in the GMS. At the time of the RPTCC-1 meeting, five (5) GMS members have ratified the IGA, which had been in force since three (3) countries have ratified the IGA. The meeting elected the Chairperson (Mr. Wang Jun of PRC) and Vice Chairperson (Dr. Somboune Manolom of Lao PDR) in accordance with the RPTCC guidelines, which were affirmed during the meeting.

    ADB was named Co-Vice Chairperson and Special Coordinator to oversee the formulation of the PTOA until its adoption by the GMS members. The RPTCC-1 came up with a draft RPTCC work plan, and discussed the Interim Report of the "Study for a PTOA in the GMS". Comments during the meeting would provide guidance in finalizing the PTOA report.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings.

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    GMS Countries Chart Concrete Work Plan for Developing Cross-Border Power Trade in the Subregion (Guangzhou, PRC, 18-19 November 2003)

    The Ninth Meeting of the Experts Group on Power Interconnection and Trade (EGP-9) and the 10th meeting of the Subregional Electric Power Forum (EPF-10), were held in Guangzhou, PRC on18-19 November 2003. These back-to-back energy meetings were held to discuss the progress of GMS countries in preparing their power systems for cross-border power transactions and to chart the work plan for accelerating the development of the policy and institutional framework for regional power trade. The meetings were co-hosted by China Southern Power Grid Co. (CSG) of the PRC, the ADB and the World Bank.

    The EGP-9 meeting took stock of the power sector policy reforms and institutional restructuring in the GMS countries, and promoted better understanding of long term sector investment plans, financing needs and power tariffs as these relate to cross border transactions. The EPF-10 meeting meanwhile, held a session on the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC) to follow up on the nomination of RPTCC members and the ratification by GMS countries of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Regional Power Trade (IGA). The RPTCC will supervise the formulation of the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA), which will harmonize rules for technical coordination, cross-border pricing and institutional arrangements for power trade; the PTOA will be formulated under an ADB-funded technical assistance study. The energy meetings showed the commitment of the GMS countries to move forward in developing the regional power market, and reiterated the commitment of both the ADB and World Bank to support both hard and soft aspects of GMS power market development. It was announced that the next meeting would be held in Thailand.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings of EGP-9 and EPF-10.

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    GMS Countries Prepare for the Next Steps to Further Advance Regional Power Trade (Yangon, Myanmar, 10-11 October 2002)

    Back-to-back energy meetings were held in Yangon, Myanmar on 10-11 October 2002, to prepare the next steps to further advance regional power trade in the GMS, after the expected signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Regional Power Trade in the GMS (IGA) during the GMS Summit on 3 November 2002. The meetings, the 8th for the Experts Group on Power Interconnection and Trade (EGP-8) and the 9th for the Subregional Electric Power Forum (EPF-9), were co-hosted by the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) of the Government of Myanmar, and the ADB.

    The EGP-8 meeting reviewed, and subsequently adopted, the guidelines for the establishment of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee (RPTCC). Under the RPTCC guidelines adopted by the EGP-8 meeting, the EPF would act as the RPTCC until a more formal set-up is agreed upon entry into force of the IGA. The role of the RPTCC is critical, being the regional body that will eventually coordinate preparation of the study on the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA). The PTOA is expected to provide the operational guidance for the conduct of GMS power trade. The proposed PTOA study was well received by GMS members, who all agreed on the composition of the Steering Committee, country coordinators (from which PTOA Project Manager would be elected), team of counterpart staff and the advisory panel. The EGP-8 meeting also took note of the progress of power sector development in the GMS countries, which would contribute to enabling conditions for future GMS power trade.

    The EPF-9 meeting meanwhile, discussed the progress towards the signing of the IGA and the EPF was requested to help expedite the IGA ratification process by GMS members. Also during EPF, the World Bank team presented the study for options in GMS future power market, focusing on the experiences and lessons from the South American power market. The World Bank team then scheduled consultation missions in each GMS country to determine the readiness of GMS members for regional power trade. They were aided by disseminating a questionnaire to collect the needed information on GMS members' power sector characteristics.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings of EGP-8 and EPF-9.

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    GMS Countries Close to Finalizing Both the Master Plan on Power Interconnection and the Agreement on Power Trade (Chiang, Mai, Thailand 29-30 May 2002)

    GMS energy experts and officials met in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 29-30 May 2002, to undertake the second review of the draft Final Report of the study on the Regional Indicative Master Plan on Power Interconnection in the GMS (the "Master Plan"). This was the seventh meeting of the Experts Group on Power Interconnection and Trade (EGP-7), and co-hosted by the National Energy Policy Office (NEPO) of Thailand and the ADB. The meeting enabled the GMS countries to move closer to the final form of the Master Plan with a consensus on the most realistic least cost generation and transmission scenario for the subregion. The EGP further discussed and agreed on future next steps for the Master Plan, including its updating, disclosure, and possible funding for transmission interconnection sections identified in the Final Report.

    Moreover, the GMS energy experts and officials provided updates on their respective Governments' actions to prepare for the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Regional Power Trade (IGA). The signing of the IGA, tentatively scheduled during the 11th GMS Ministerial Conference in Phnom Penh in September 2002, has since been moved to the GMS Summit of Leaders on 3 November 2002. The IGA, which was being developed with the support of the World Bank, would provide the overall framework and coordination mechanisms to promote, and maximize benefits from power trade in the subregion. Some GMS countries have indicated their readiness to sign the IGA, while the others indicated some progress later, but all GMS members indicated they still needed cabinet-level approval for the IGA.

    The EGP-7 meeting also tackled the initial draft guidelines for the establishment of the Regional Power Trade Coordinating Committee (RPTCC), the high level body identified in the IGA, to actively coordinate the implementation of regional power trade. It also discussed the initial components of the study for the Regional Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA), such as technical coordination and institutional framework. This will be synchronized with the World Bank's study on options for the power market structure. To provide more useful perspectives for power trade, representatives of the power industry and donor community presented on existing arrangements for power interconnection and trade.

    For more details, please view entire proceedings.



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