Sun Cable Solar Precinct

The opportunity for grid connectivity in Asia

Technology evolution radically transforms connectivity

The evolution in HVDC technology now makes it feasible to connect grids over much longer distances

Voltage improvements

Reduced transmission losses through higher voltages
10% annual growth
in voltage over the last 20 years

Reliability improvements

Increased reliability through improvements in cable material, engineering and design

Operational improvements

Increased cable lay depths
up to 3,000 metres
allowing cable routes to traverse previously inaccessible subsea terrain

System improvements

Increased transmission system lengths
3-9x
over the past 20 years

Several international efforts boost global and regional connectivity

International grid connectivity efforts

Currently the Asia-Pacific lags Europe in terms of cross-border connectivity…

12% average in Europe
Furthermore, EU has a set goal to reach
15% interconnection by 2030

  • France exports 13%
  • Norway exports >10%
  • Netherlands exports and imports >16%
  • Denmark exports and imports >30%

Electricity import and export as a proportion of each country’s total power generation in 2019/2020 amounted to a

0.3% average in Asia

With a few exceptions

  • Laos exports 47% of hydropower to SEA
  • Bhutan exports >50% hydropower to India

Other countries trade minuscule amounts of electricity

  • Japan, Korea have no export / import
  • China imports 0.1%

What would a connected Asia look like?

As a thought experiment, we estimated the potential benefits to the Asia Pacific region by 2040.

If the Asia-Pacific were to match Europe’s 2030 target for cross-border electricity trade of 15% by 2040, an annual market of nearly USD 500 Bn would be created

2,150 - 3,335 TWh
Annual cross-border trade in electricity in the Asia-Pacific in 2040
USD 493 Bn
Value of annual electricity traded in 2040 in the Asia-Pacific region

The carbon savings would be transformational

Coal 56%
Natural gas 12%
Share of electricity supply in APAC today
Coal 0.92 t (tonnes)
Natural gas 0.62
Solar 0
Comparisons of CO2e per MWh generated - tCO2e/MWh
3,070 MT (Megatonnes)
3x entire emission of Japan
Total carbon savings - CO2e

Approximately 870,000 jobs could potentially be created in the Asia-Pacific linked to cross-border interconnection projects

USD 116 Bn
Total investment linked to cross-border electricity trade in 2040
x 7.5
Direct and indirect jobs multiplier for renewable technologies per USD 1 Mn investment
= 870,000 jobs
Jobs created in the Asia-Pacific region

A collaborative network of experts and leaders

The Asia Green Grid Network is the transparent and accessible sharing of research to service rapid, rigorous advancement of renewable electricity knowledge.

Benefits and opportunities of Green Grid innovation

Maximise impact and thrive together by sharing ideas, data, results, processes, and progress – driving energy breakthroughs in Asia for industry and society.