Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition

Solar offers the region a cheaper path to meet new power demand by cutting costs by half compared to gas as the Gulf crisis highlights fossil fuel risks, found a new Ember report.

The new findings from Zero Carbon Analytics come as Vietnam moves to remove most tariffs on imported fuels such as gasoline and diesel in a bid to tame inflation brought about the Middle East conflict.

Frank Phuan's Equator Renewables Asia secures funding for solar and hydrogen projects in Indonesia as developers exporting power to Singapore face tough permit rules and an evolving cross-border regulatory framework.

Long-term energy security is also a concern for Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which have been expanding LNG infrastructure. Experts say that a shift to renewables is worthwhile, but policies are diverging across the region.

As Southeast Asia eyes regional power trading to accelerate decarbonisation, veteran solar entrepreneur Frank Phuan unpacks the political, economic and logistical hurdles of moving clean energy across borders.

China's withdrawal of export rebates for solar PV and battery products, alongside rising raw material costs, have pushed prices up in the region. But the impact could be mitigated by the capacity of Southeast Asia’s solar manufacturers, which were affected by US tariffs last year.

The Philippines’ ambition to become a data centre hub is running up against high electricity prices and a coal-heavy grid.

Exclusive The economist and president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network told the Eco-Business Podcast how China’s green industrial and financial capabilities can help accelerate Southeast Asia's transition to net zero.

Though not the most widely deployed solution, floating solar farms bypass land and social constraints, making efficient use of available space to potentially help achieve Malaysia’s renewable energy target – one that would otherwise be difficult or too costly to reach.

Google will also buy renewable energy for its Malaysian data centres from another solar project in the northern Kedah state from Japan-based firm Shizen Energy.

Floating solar deals, cross-border energy plans and a new carbon credit framework highlight early progress, but achieving net zero will require rapid capacity expansion and a more resilient, modernised grid.

Redirecting the energy funding Indonesia receives from China entirely into renewables could mobilise up to US$9 billion over the next decade. But enabling Chinese investment will require stronger industrial policies, a study finds.