Cooperation within a country can be difficult.
Cooperation between many nations demands even greater levels of coordination
and trust. Today we see multi-national energy planning among regional groups —
because there are mutual benefits that come from linking electrical networks
across borders!
The 10 nation ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Network began meeting years ago to
explore the concept of the ASEAN Regional Electric Grid. These Energy
Ministers now have a Vision 2020 that’s similar to the "Connect the Americas
2022" plan we featured four months ago.
ASEAN Vision 2020 states
that 'the regional power grid interconnection would be the main driver for
green energy and reduced damages to the environment.'
The ECOWAS (Economic Cooperation of West African States)
community has been meeting with these goals. Called the West African Power
Pool, the 15 member states are now modeling the benefits of a regional power
grid with 'a high share of renewable energy development to help end poverty in
a sustainable fashion.'
These
are two outstanding examples of the GENI initiative becoming real in
politically diverse regions. The benefits of economic cooperation are stronger
than parochial borders. This is good news
that you don’t see making headlines. Please share it, "like" it,
and push for similar energy cooperation in your region. With electric power
grids, the more we cooperate, the better for everyone.
In partnership for the
planet,
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