The Southeast Asian region could lose up to 30% of its gross domestic product by 2050 due to increases in global temperature and extreme weather events, but boosting up the region’s renewable energy manufacturing capacity would position Southeast Asian countries to create new jobs and meet growing energy demand while drastically reducing emissions. This was disclosed in a new research released on the sidelines of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bloomberg Philanthropies, ClimateWorks Foundation, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
The report named ‘Renewable Energy Manufacturing: Opportunities for Southeast Asia,’ said that the growing Southeast Asia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, battery, and electric two-wheeler industries presents an estimated $90 billion to $100 billion revenue opportunity by 2030, with a potential 6 million renewable energy jobs to be created by 2050.
It further explores how to support the development of the clean energy manufacturing sector in Southeast Asia and help countries reap its immense economic potential while mitigating the impacts of climate change. Seizing this opportunity depends on government policy measures specific to each country in the region, including stimulating domestic renewable energy demand, ensuring cost competitiveness, improving the ease of doing business, and improving access to export markets. Collaboration at the regional level is also essential to provide further support through the deepening of intra-regional trade.
The report focusses on growing solar PV manufacturing capacity in modules from 70 GW to 125–150 GW by 2030. Developing a regional battery manufacturing value chain, increasing national and regional demand, and establishing Southeast Asia as a regional and global export hub, producing 140-180 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells by 2030.
It also stresses on expanding assembly capacity for electric two-wheelers (E2W) in Southeast Asia from 1.4 to 1.6 million units annually to approximately 4 million units by 2030.
“As we often say in ADB, the battle against climate change will be won or lost in Asia and the Pacific. A decisive front in that battle is Southeast Asia. This research shows the promise of renewable energy manufacturing – with policy, technical, and financing support – in helping the region’s developing countries to transition away from coal-based energy, while lowering carbon emissions, expanding local industrial capabilities, spurring job creation, and driving long-term economic growth,” Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General and Chief, Sectors Group, Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank
“Southeast Asia has the potential to become a leader in renewable energy manufacturing to contribute to the global renewable energy deployment, while simultaneously achieving economic growth and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This report proves how increasing private sector investments into local renewable energy manufacturing sectors, strengthening regional value chain collaboration, and bringing together key stakeholders will create jobs, increase GDP, and help Southeast Asian nations meet their climate goals,” Antha Williams, Environment Program, Bloomberg Philanthropies
“The clean energy industry is already a massive growth opportunity, and will need to scale even more rapidly for us to achieve carbon neutrality globally by 2050. Southeast Asia, which is home to one-fourth of the world’s population, is well positioned to become a global leader in renewable energy manufacturing with its vibrant business environment and large talent pool. In doing so, the region can boost the supply of affordable and reliable renewable energy solutions to people and communities in Southeast Asia and around the world, and create new job opportunities locally,” Helen Mountford, President and CEO, ClimateWorks Foundation
“By growing their renewable energy manufacturing capabilities, Southeast Asian countries can increase GDP, create jobs and decarbonize energy systems, contributing to both economic growth and climate progress. This report highlights how countries within the region can establish strong, local industries that will contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future,” Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy.
