Manila, 7 October 2026 – The 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and its Associated Meetings and the 26th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-26) officially commenced today in Manila, Philippines, bringing together ASEAN energy ministers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to advance regional energy cooperation.

The Joint Opening Ceremony was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and officially opened by H.E. Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Department of Energy of the Philippines and Chair of the 44th AMEM, after a special remarks by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

As ASEAN Chair in 2026, the Philippines has set out the Priority Economic Deliverable (PED) and Annual Priorities (APs) for the energy sector.  The PED for 2026 focuses on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), with efforts centred on the operationalisation of the Enhanced APG MOU and the development of legal and regulatory guidelines for a regional submarine power cable framework.

Alongside the PED, ASEAN is advancing seven Annual Priorities (APs) under the Philippines’ Chairship:

1. 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO9)

2. ASEAN Nuclear Power Plant Financing and Human Resources Development Study

3. ASEAN CCUS Assessment and Business Model Study

4. Upstream Oil and Gas Fiscal Benchmarking Study.

5. Sustainable ASEAN Energy Management Certification Scheme (SAEMAS).

6. Study on Accelerating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Advanced Technologies for Variable Renewable Energy Integration.

7. Study on Cross-Border Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) Market and Financial Assessment.

Held in conjunction with 44th AMEM is the 26th ASEAN Energy Business Forum, which provides a platform connecting government, industry, financial institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to exchange perspectives and explore opportunities supporting ASEAN’s energy priorities.

About the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is an intergovernmental organisation driving multilateral energy cooperation and policy coordination among ASEAN Member States. Formally established on 1 January 1999 in Jakarta, Indonesia, ACE serves as the regional energy think tank, catalyst, and knowledge hub for ASEAN. Hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia, ACE’s office is located in Jakarta, Indonesia. For more information: aseanenergy.org.

For further inquiries: communication@aseanenergy.org.