Who are we?

The ASEAN Energy Market Integration (AEMI) Initiative started in 2013 at Chulalongkorn University under the joint auspices of the ASEAN Studies Center (ASC) and the Faculty of Economics. A group of academics from across ASEAN was convened to examine the region’s energy and environmental challenges, and to consider approaches to address them.  At the conclusion of the session, the participants agreed that ASEAN Energy Market Integration (AEMI) was the way forward. They formed the AEMI Group, and pledged to work together to make the case for AEMI and design options for its implementation in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

What do we do?

The AEMI Initiative initially focused on making the case for AEMI and on identifying the potential benefits it could deliver in the AEC.  Following decision by ASEAN Energy Ministers to adopt “connectivity and energy market integration” as the main theme for ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025, the initiative has shifted its focus to building AEMI blueprint and roadmap. The objective is to formulate ASEAN-wide policy recommendations for developing and implementing AEMI within the AEC.

How do we do it?

The AEMI Group produces AEMI Working Papers and share the results of its investigations with ASEAN policymakers.  Early AEMI papers were published in the AEMI Book and formed the basis for making the case for AEMI, and for identifying its potential benefits. Moreover, the group convenes AEMI Forums to share the outcome of their analysis with academics, experts and ASEAN policymakers.  The forums are designed to establish a link between research and policy-making in an informal setting.  All AEMI Forums conclude with a unanimous statement to outline agreed policy recommendations and identify issues for further investigation.

Who supports us?

The ASEAN Studies Center (ASC) and the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, have supported the AEMI Initiative from its onset in 2013.  The ASC continues to house the AEMI Initiative and to coordinate its work.  From December 2014 to June 2016, the AEMI Initiative was funded by a grant from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Norwegian Institute of Foreign Affairs (NUPI) participated in its delivery, notably for the work on small-scale renewable energy.