ASEAN should speed up clean energy transition: think tank

ASEAN countries still rely on fossil-based energy in electricity growth amidst underperformed energy capacity of renewable energy in the region, according to energy think tank Ember.

In its report “ ASEAN’s clean power pathways: 2024 insights”, Ember revealed that last year, 3.6% of ASEAN power growth was contributed by fossil fuel power plants.

In 2023, fossil fuels dominated ASEAN power plant with 74%, with coals contributing 44%.

Dinita Setyawati, a senior analyst of Southeast Asia Power Policy at Ember, said that last year, renewable energy contributed only 26%, marking a decline from 28% in 2022.

High dependency on fossil energy made ASEAN carbon emission increased 6.6% to 718 million per CO2 last year, she said.

The report estimated that power demand in ASEAN will increase 41% in 2030, underlined the importance of the countries in the region to quickly switch to renewable energy.

The drops of solar energy cost between 55-81% and wind power for 33-35% are opportunities for ASEAN to diversify energy, Dinita said as cited by Indonesia media.

The report also revealed that better interconnected power network, the use of storage batteries, and the adoption of innovative technology that support green flexibility can support energy transition in ASEAN. This also will have impact on economic growth , energy resilience and sustainability.