The ASEAN region has 30,523 GW solar potential and 1,383 GW projected wind capacity, as per the report released by think tank Ember, which is an energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy.
“With only 27 gigawatts (GW) of solar power and 6.8 GW of wind installed capacity in 2022, the Association of Southeast Asian Nation member states still have over 99% of wind and solar power potential capacity that remains untapped,” said Ember.
Ember said, “The region has around 30,523 GW of solar and 1,383 GW wind potential, citing estimates by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.”
“In order to attract investment, ASEAN countries need a supportive policy and regulatory environment, guaranteeing the implementation of attractive renewable pricing mechanisms and streamlined renewable supply chains,” the report noted.
“Investments in grid extensions and modernisation combined with energy storage facilities will be an essential prerequisite to integrating solar and wind technologies into the power grid,” it added.
It pointed out that, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia have the largest solar potential, whilst Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam could lead prospective wind capacity in the region.
It may be noted that as per the reports by the Asian Development Bank, the renewable manufacturing of Asia could support the region’s economic growth as it could lose up to 30% of its gross domestic product by 2050 because of the rise in climate change.
According to its report, the region’s solar photovoltaic manufacturing capacity in modules could reach 125 gigawatts (GW) to 150 GW by 2030 from 70 GW. It could also produce 140 GW-hours (GWh) to 180 GWh of battery cells by 2030.
