CESI contributes to the World Bank Energy Forum in Bali

CESI took part in the Energy Knowledge and Learning Forum organized by the World Bank in Bali, focused on the sustainable energy transition in East Asia and the Pacific.

Andrea Meola, Global Markets Director at CESI Consulting, contributed as a speaker in the session “Unlocking ASEAN Regional Power Trade through Subsea Interconnections”, while Francesco Comito also attended the event, representing CESI. During the session, the discussion explored how large-scale grid infrastructure is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of the energy transition in the region.

A key message clearly emerged: power grids are the backbone of the transition, and global investment in transmission and distribution will need to scale significantly—reaching up to approximately $800 billion per year—to effectively support electrification and the integration of renewable energy sources. In this context, interconnections are no longer optional, but represent strategic assets to enable cross-border power trade, enhance security of supply, and reduce renewable curtailment.

The ASEAN region stands at a particularly important turning point, with rapidly growing electricity demand and abundant—yet unevenly distributed—renewable resources. Strengthening regional integration through the ASEAN Power Grid will therefore be essential. Subsea HVDC interconnections are expected to play a crucial role, enabling the efficient long-distance transmission of clean energy between countries.

At the same time, several challenges remain. These projects require substantial investments, coordinated regulatory frameworks across multiple countries, and the ability to address significant technical complexities, including deep-sea cable deployment and system integration.

Overall, the discussion highlighted that delivering such infrastructure will require not only engineering excellence, but also strong regional cooperation and innovative business models.

The forum represented a valuable opportunity for CESI to engage with policymakers, utilities, and international experts working at the forefront of the energy transition.