ASEAN’s solar and wind growth slowed last year, despite huge potential

We have seen some great progress with clean energy growing rapidly in some ASEAN countries, supported by strong policies. Replicating the success region-wide and aligning with IEA’s net zero pathway means that we need to adopt and enhance similar strategies in other ASEAN countries, including comprehensive domestic policies and full support in financing from the international community to ensure grid stability, energy security and economic competitiveness

Dr. Dinita Setyawati
‍Southeast Asia Senior Electricity Policy Analyst, Ember

Upscaling solar and wind development can stimulate economic growth, and improve energy access for ASEAN population in rural areas, thereby fostering sustainable development in the region. Solar and wind are widely recognised as the most promising solutions for creating new markets, generating jobs, facilitating a just energy transition and ensuring a resilient, energy-secure ASEAN. The realisation of these benefits critically depends on strong policy support and government commitments to drive robust action and substantial progress in renewable deployment.

Dr.Dinita Setyawati
‍Southeast Asia Senior Electricity Policy Analyst, Ember

Rapid power demand growth in ASEAN countries has released market opportunities for the large-scale development of solar and wind powers. Most of the ASEAN countries have updated their national power development plans and strategies that target to have more solar and wind in the mix and put the efforts to create the right environment to mobilise finance, absorb the technology and increase the readiness of the grid infrastructure. Combined with the other renewable energy sources for baseload generation, tapping the true potential of solar and wind will bring the region to go beyond its current target on renewable energy as needed to accelerate the efforts toward net zero.