Faisal Mahmud
08 October 2026•Update: 08 October 2026
The Philippines is pushing to accelerate a four-nation electricity interconnection project linking Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines as Southeast Asia confronts energy supply disruptions stemming from the US-Israeli war against Iran, according to the state-owned Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin announced the initiative Wednesday during the 44th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministers on Energy Meeting in Manila.
The project would connect electricity networks through high-voltage submarine cables, allowing cross-border power trading among the four countries.
Garin described the initiative as the Philippines’ principal gateway to the proposed ASEAN Power Grid, alongside an existing electricity trading arrangement linking Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
“Every interconnection brings that day closer when hydropower from one neighbor’s mountains lights a hospital across the border,” said Garin.
Singapore’s Energy Minister Tan See Leng stressed the need for common regulations governing submarine cables, including installation, maintenance and infrastructure protection.
The meeting in Manila brings together energy ministers from ASEAN’s 11 member states to discuss regional electricity connectivity, energy security and financing for infrastructure projects.
The Philippines became the first country to declare a national energy emergency following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the declaration on March 24.
More than 50% of ASEAN’s imported crude oil comes from the Middle East, while supply disruptions could threaten volumes equivalent to nearly 28% of regional oil consumption, according to the ASEAN Centre for Energy.