South East Asia electricity grid connectivity and transmission

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the AGGN?

    Sun Cable, with our partners are creating the Asia Green Grid Network (AGGN) to support this innovation.

    The AGGN is a virtual network of leading corporates and institutes of higher learning that have a shared vision of having an integrated green grid in Asia. The AGGN has three roles:

    1. Educating. Provide briefings and seminars on key areas of the green grid (e.g., latest developments on HVDC transmission, best practice policy approaches, etc).
    2. Collaborating. Bringing together leading academic institutions and corporates to share research on key topics associated with a green grid (e.g., micro grids, battery back up, etc.) and work together to form new connections.
    3. Innovating. Providing a platform for research and development efforts. This would include key R&D funding required for the Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink) project.
  • Why did we create the AGGN?

    Cross-border electricity could transform Asia. Cross-border renewable electricity trade could be worth USD 493 billion annually in Asia by 2040, creating 870,000 jobs, and reducing 3x Japan’s current emissions. However, creating an interconnected electricity grid in Asia requires a range of innovations to overcome potential challenges. Across the entire value chain of activities, there are a series of technical challenges to be overcome to create an integrated grid in Asia. These range from voltage improvements to minimize transmission losses in high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable through to finding ways to support dispatchability and energy security through high density energy storage systems. While many research institutions and corporates are tackling some of these technical challenges, the current research landscape in Asia is characterised by its fragmentation and low-scale. The AGGN aims to help overcome this by fostering collaboration and innovation on these topics.

  • Who founded AGGN?

    Sun Cable (www.suncable.energy) is the founder of the AGGN. Sun Cable is developing the world’s largest solar energy infrastructure network, making it possible to power whole cities with renewable energy. Sun Cable’s flagship project is the Australia-Asia PowerLink (aapowerlink.sg) which is creating the world’s largest solar farm, battery and undersea HVDC cable to supply Singapore and Darwin with renewable electricity from Australia’s Northern Territory.

    Sun Cable decided to form the AGGN as they realised that to develop cross-border electricity trade in Asia there is a need for a range of innovations to overcome the technical challenges highlighted earlier. It is important to stress that this network is not proprietary to Sun Cable, and is open to any corporates or academic institutions who have a passion to support the trade of renewable electricity in Asia.

  • Who is AGGN membership open to?

    Membership is open to any corporate or academic institution with a commitment to supporting cross-border renewable electricity trade and grid integration in Asia.

  • What are the different types of association with AGGN?

    Under AGGN, there are 2 levels of engagement – members and partners. In addition to participation in events, AGGN members also have voting rights to guide the overall direction of AGGN, and the ability to join an advisory committee to shape the program of activities by thematic area.

    To ensure accountability, the AGGN will hold annual general meetings (AGM) yearly, for the purpose of approving accounts and providing accountability to members of the activities held and money flow (if any) as a result of Sun Cable’s or RIs’ R&D funding.

  • Who runs AGGN?

    At present, Sun Cable is providing the secretariat support for the AGGN, which may evolve in the future. The board is presently composed of representatives from Sun Cable.

  • How is AGGN legally registered?

    AGGN is a not-for-profit organisation, limited by guarantee and registered in Singapore.

  • Are there membership fees?

    There are currently no membership fees, with support provided by Sun Cable and our partners. Over time, we may look to revise this based on the scale of activities.

  • What are the expectations of members?

    Members are required to do three activities:

    1. Contribute your expertise. We would ask each organisation actively promotes the institute and encourages their researchers / experts to share their time in the lectures.
    2. Host discussions. We plan to host the lectures and collaboration sessions at different partner organisations, and we would request your willingness to support this (e.g., offering a lecture hall or breakout rooms.
    3. Promote the network. Encourage others to join.
  • What are the key areas of focus?

    The AGGN will be organised into three thematic areas of research:

    1. Generation innovation. Understanding technology opportunities to scale and improve the cost efficiency of renewable energy generation.
    2. Transmission innovation. Understanding technology opportunities to improve the reliability, efficiency and implementation of HVDC transmission.
    3. Grid management and storage innovation. Understanding technology opportunities to enhance grid management and storage, including topics such as micro grids, carbon free back up, and high density energy storage systems.

    For the “grid management and storage innovation” thematic area, one initial working group will be commenced, based on the interest of AGGN participants. This will be focused on High-density, long-duration energy storage: Understanding opportunities to innovate energy storage systems to reduce their required land area, while maintaining performance and safety. Further priority topics for working groups will be determined by the advisory committee for that thematic area (comprised of members with a relevant background in that thematic area). The working groups will meet quarterly to share existing research and knowledge on these areas, and to understand key research gaps which could involve research and development focus.

    Activities will be informed by the interests of members of the AGGN.

  • How do I join an advisory committee?

    An advisory committee will be appointed for each of the three thematic areas, comprising members of AGGN with relevant background. They will meet periodically (e.g., once per year) to determine the working groups and focus for that particular thematic area. Members can nominate 1 representative from their organisation to join the advisory committee for a thematic area. For members interested in nominating a representative, please email info@greengrid.sg.

  • How do I join working groups and hear about events?

    The AGGN Secretariat will send out emails to the nominated contact from each member / partner organisation to inform them of upcoming seminars and working groups, with the option of opting into them. For further information, email info@greengrid.sg.