AMEM 44 took place amid continued uncertainty in global energy markets, driven by geopolitical developments and the risk of disruptions to oil and gas supplies, while energy demand across the region continued to rise. The meeting also marked the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2026 - 2030, which aims to strengthen energy security, accelerate emissions reductions, and ensure a just and inclusive energy transition.

At the meeting, ministers discussed regional energy developments and outlooks; the implementation of the energy sector’s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) and the Philippines’ annual energy priorities for 2026; progress in implementing APAEC 2026 - 2030; the development of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and regional energy connectivity; oil and gas supply security; energy efficiency and conservation; renewable energy and emerging energy technologies; cooperation with dialogue partners and international organisations; and resource mobilisation for regional energy projects.

The meeting noted progress in advancing ASEAN energy connectivity, with a particular focus on implementing the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), finalising the work plans of specialised working groups, and strengthening coordination in regional power system planning. Enhanced interconnection and cross-border electricity trade are expected to help safeguard electricity supply security, improve the resilience of power systems, and enable more efficient utilisation of renewable energy resources across the region.

The meeting also welcomed progress under the ASEAN Power Grid Financing Initiative (APGF), emphasising the need to strengthen project preparation, clarify regulatory frameworks, and improve access to financing to facilitate the early implementation of priority power interconnection projects.

On energy security, ministers underscored the importance of timely information-sharing, close monitoring of market developments, diversification of supply sources, and stronger coordination in responding to potential disruptions to oil and gas supplies. The meeting noted progress towards completing the ratification procedures for the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) and encouraged the remaining Member States to expedite their domestic procedures to enable the Agreement to enter into force.

The meeting welcomed the release of the 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook, alongside the outcomes of regional cooperation on energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, energy storage, and emissions-reduction technologies. ASEAN continues to pursue its 2030 targets of reducing energy intensity by 40% from the 2005 level, achieving a 30% share of renewable energy in total primary energy supply, and raising the share of renewable energy to 45% of total installed power generation capacity. Cooperation with dialogue partners and international organisations will continue to be strengthened to support the achievement of these priorities.

In its statement to the meeting, Viet Nam stressed the need to strengthen cooperation, share information, coordinate responses to supply disruptions, and advance regional energy connectivity amid persistent challenges to energy security. Viet Nam announced that it had completed the deposit of its instrument of ratification of the APSA, making it one of the four countries to have completed the ratification process at an early stage. Viet Nam expressed its readiness to continue working with ASEAN partners on preparations for the Agreement’s implementation and reaffirmed its support for further steps towards the upgraded Memorandum of Understanding on the ASEAN Power Grid, in accordance with the relevant procedures and regulations.

Ministers tasked the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME), relevant specialised bodies, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, and the ASEAN Secretariat with continuing to advance the implementation of APAEC 2026 - 2030 and the outcomes of AMEM 44. Priority areas include power interconnection projects, enhanced capacity to respond to energy security risks, and the mobilisation of resources for concrete cooperation programmes.

The meeting concluded successfully with the adoption of seven documents, the recommendations submitted by SOME for the ministerial meeting, and a press statement outlining the key outcomes. These results set the stage for consultations between ASEAN energy ministers and their dialogue partners scheduled for 7 and 8 October 2026.