Laos Government Proposes a Dual-use Shared Tracking System to the AMEM Council

Minister of Laos seen working hard on her dual-use initiative

The Lao minister suggested a tracking system, improving on the Asian Power Grid (APG) initiative.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Ministers met under the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) to discuss concerns regarding strengthening cross-border energy infrastructure and regulating the mineral supply chain. Since this currently has multiple loopholes and is insufficient in fulfilling required standards, ministers took on the discussion with great concern.

The Laotian minister felt that there was a need for a more transparent mineral supply chain and better networks. The minister stressed the urgency of building stronger cross-border networks in her speech. Hence, the delegate proposed the dual-use tracking system.

Raising a dual-tracking system targeted at the issue, ministers underwent deep discussions on valuing this solution. As stated in the name, this dual-tracking system has two purposes. The system aims to track minerals and energy at the same time.

For the tracking of minerals, the minister stated that there will be a system where countries will have real-time verification of the minerals. The mineral’s past movements and origin will all be tracked and recorded down, making information accessible. This will speed up processes like mineral trade. It also helps to ensure mineral security and prevent anything illegal from happening.

For the tracking of energy, there will be a system where countries input their energy data. This allows them to access and check this information with ease. Furthermore, this also branches out into more aspects. This system can possibly improve on the current APG initiative and make aiding other countries who are in need of energy easier.

The minister also commented that this system will also help ASEAN countries respond better and more efficiently to crises. For example, during power shortages, it will make it easier to assist others.

This system presented by the delegate of Laos will quite possibly be able to increase the efficiency of the APG initiative, reducing the time it takes to finish. Furthermore, the system also ensures mineral and energy security, benefiting all the countries in Southeast Asia.

The minister of Laos expressed her interest for countries in Asia, like Singapore and Myanmar, to invest more money and provide more support for the initiatives. She believes that everyone should support one another not only for the sake of Laos, but for the sake of the whole ASEAN. The delegate emphasised in an interview that in the end, they want Asia to be connected.

The minister of Laos also said that Laos would like to provide more hydro energy to other countries. Laos is already one of the biggest energy producers in terms of hydro energy. The Lao government wants to sell more of this energy to other countries for more money and resources.

There was already an agreement with Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore where Laos was to supply up to 100 MW of electricity. Grid interconnection is widely seen as a key solution to cut a growing reliance on fossil fuels for power generation, and this deal was valid for two years, ending on June 22, 2024.

The Laos government strongly believes in sustainability and continues to champion renewable energy. Laos not only tries to integrate renewable energy in its own country, it also tries to lead other countries towards a more sustainable and green future.

The delegate of Laos said that Laos hopes to use this money to invest in more different types of energy. Laos wants to integrate more types of renewable energy, such as solar power and wind energy.

Laos already has very developed hydro energy facilities. Therefore, Laos wants to look into other forms of energy to ensure that Laos can be a sustainable country. The minister believes that with everybody’s collaborative help, not just Laos, but ASEAN as a whole can become greener and more sustainable.

The Lao government aims towards growing and developing the country’s energy sector, for long-term sustainable solutions. The various collaborations and posts strengthen the development of the nation and region, with further potential for growth present.

Written by Aidan Ong