Southeast Asian Island Nations Eye China's Smart Energy Solutions

Chengdu, China (ANTARA) - Representatives from Indonesia and the Philippines have discussed potential cooperation on smart energy solutions with Chinese counterparts, aiming to tackle the unique power grid challenges faced by archipelagic Southeast Asian nations. The discussions took place on the sidelines of a smart energy conference in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where industry players explored how digital technologies can enhance the utilisation of new energy sources and support regional power grid development. Kiwi Aliwarga, an Indonesian entrepreneur from the technology firm IdeaLLab, highlighted the natural obstacles Indonesia faces in building an integrated energy and electricity network across its numerous islands. He noted that these challenges have made energy digitalisation a key focus for the country’s industry players. “With the rapid development of digital technology trends in Indonesia in recent years, the country has a significant need for clean and stable energy supplies. We feel the technologies and solutions showcased by Chinese companies offer new ideas for Indonesian industry,” Kiwi said. He engaged with potential partners at various exhibition booths, discussing smart energy platforms, energy storage systems, and advanced energy management software, as well as their potential application in Indonesia. Kiwi expressed hope that his company could establish cooperation with partners in China. Industry experts at the conference observed that the relationship between energy systems and artificial intelligence has shifted from a model where AI empowers energy to one of mutual empowerment. This shift is driven by the evolution of China’s smart energy solutions from single innovations into comprehensive chains covering electricity production, transmission, distribution, and consumption, which have the potential to reduce electricity costs while enhancing intelligence, digitalisation, and energy efficiency. Echoing this sentiment, Brian James Lu from the Association for Philippines-China Understanding highlighted the future potential of smart energy technology. “Energy costs in the Philippines are relatively high within the ASEAN region, and many companies are actively exploring smarter and more sustainable solutions. This can help lower electricity costs and thereby improve corporate competitiveness,” Lu stated.