Balancing Energy & Environment for Sustainable Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion: First Planning and Consultation Workshop on the GMS Energy Strategy

Abstract

This planning and consultation Workshop presented an overview of the key challenges facing the GMS in the energy sector, the study objectives,scope, and timetable. The key energy challenges identified included: (a) rapid energy demand growth; (b) population without access to modern forms of energy services; (c) quality of energy supply; (d) energy security; (e) energy efficiency; (f) environment issues; (g) expanding private sector participation; and (h) institutional and policy issues. The study was designed to: (a) help articulate a clear a vision for GMS energy cooperation in the energy sector; (b) develop a strategy to meet energy challenges until 2020; (c) identify priority investment projects for the public and private sectors; and (d) draw up an operating framework for enhancing regional energy security.