Navigating regional power trade for green transition in the Greater Mekong Subregion: legal challenges and pathways forward
Abstract
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has significant potential for cross-border electricity trade to support the green transition, yet power integration in the subregion remains constrained by a fragmented regulatory environment that fails to address the unique challenges of electricity trade. The multilateral trade rules contain ambiguities, while national regulations often perpetuate inconsistent technical regulations and commercial terms. The absence of a binding regional legal framework exacerbates challenges to power integration in the GMS. This article proposes a comprehensive framework built on five pillars and highlights the role of international law in formalizing commitments, harmonizing standards and facilitating dispute resolution.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Energy Law and Policy
International Environmental Law and Policies
International Arbitration and Investment Law
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 247–267
- Publication date
- 13 February 2026
- Language
- EN