ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Agence française de développement (AFD) and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) strengthen strategic cooperation to accelerate financing for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) through signing of two (2) grant financing agreements at the 3rd APG Stakeholders Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on December 4, 2025.
The agreement between AFD and ACE was signed by Jean-Pierre Marcelli, Southeast Asia Regional Director of AFD and Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE. At the event, AFD also signed the grant financing agreement with ETP-UNOPS, represented by Philip Timothy Rose, Director of ETP-UNOPS.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to ASEAN, and Dir. Luningning G. Baltazar, Chair of the APG Consultative Committee (APGCC).
AFD–ACE Agreement to Support Cross-Border Power Interconnection Study
Under the first agreement, AFD will finance a feasibility study for a cross-border power interconnection line—an essential component of the ASEAN Power Grid.
As the APG Secretariat, ACE will work closely with ASEAN Member States and APG-related bodies to implement this initiative. The study will contribute directly to the mandates outlined in the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and the ASEAN Interconnection Masterplan Study (AIMS).
Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This cooperation strengthens the Development Partnership between ASEAN and France. The APG remains a top priority for ASEAN as we work toward a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future. ACE welcomes AFD and France as strategic partners in advancing regional energy cooperation.”
AFD–ETP Agreement Enhances Energy Regulation Capacity in ASEAN
The second agreement reinforces France’s contribution to ETP’s pooled funds and will be used to support the establishment of the ASEAN School of Regulation—a joint initiative by ETP, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the UN ESCAP.
Endorsed by the ASEAN Energy Regulators’ Network (AERN), the school aims to strengthen the capacity of energy regulators to facilitate cross-border electricity trade in support of the APG.
Philip Timothy Rose, Director of ETP-UNOPS, highlighted the importance of the partnership:
“As ETP enters its fifth year, we are advancing a strategy that responds to Southeast Asia’s evolving energy challenges and supports a more equitable and sustainable power system. AFD’s continued and generous support is critical to driving progress on the ASEAN Power Grid and accelerating the region’s energy transition.”
France Reaffirms Commitment to the Asia–Europe Energy Alliance
France’s involvement through AFD reflects its broader commitment to deepening the Asia–Europe strategic partnership, especially in the fields of energy transition and cross-border connectivity.
H.E. Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to ASEAN, stated:
“We consider this project highly strategic. France is firmly committed to supporting the APG. As President Macron emphasized during his visit to the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta, strengthening the alliance between Asia and Europe is essential. Energy transition and connectivity are powerful tools for deepening this partnership.”
AFD Highlights Long-Term Support for ASEAN’s Energy Transition
AFD reaffirmed that its participation aligns with its long-standing priorities in Southeast Asia—supporting regional connectivity, climate action, and clean energy.
Jean-Pierre Marcelli, Southeast Asia Regional Director of AFD, said:
“Supporting ASEAN connectivity and addressing climate and environmental challenges have been AFD’s priorities since the start of our official ASEAN Development Partnership in 2020. AFD has supported several ASEAN Member States in their energy transition. Facilitating the ASEAN Power Grid through feasibility funding and capacity building is the ideal contribution we can make to advance regional connectivity and energy transition.” (AT Network)
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