New energy interconnection standards for wind farms, photovoltaic power plants, and pumped storage units were unveiled on Friday, marking a milestone in global efforts to advance sustainable energy systems. The guidelines aim to streamline cross-border power connectivity and harmonize clean energy infrastructure development across Asia and beyond.
Analysts say the standards will address technical barriers in integrating renewable energy sources into national grids, particularly for regions with high solar and wind potential like Central Asia and Southeast Asia. Pumped storage units—a key solution for stabilizing intermittent renewable energy—are also prioritized, offering investors clearer frameworks for large-scale projects.
"This is a game-changer for transnational energy collaboration," said Dr. Li Wei, an energy policy researcher at Singapore’s GreenTech Institute. "By aligning technical specifications, countries can more efficiently share surplus renewable power and reduce reliance on fossil fuels."
The move aligns with broader Asian initiatives to establish regional power grids, such as the ASEAN Power Grid and Central Asia-South Asia electricity corridors. For businesses, the standards reduce project risks and could unlock opportunities in emerging markets like Vietnam’s offshore wind sector or Kazakhstan’s solar parks.
With over 60 countries participating in the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, the standards are expected to accelerate progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals while fostering economic resilience.
