Southeast Asia's Clean Energy Transition

The early shutting of Cirebon-1 in West Java will be a major milestone for climate finance in Indonesia. But the impact of the closure on plant workers and local communities has not been fully considered, civic society groups say.

State electricity firm PLN has slowed renewables deployment, says the deputy head of the country's Just Energy Transition Partnership secretariat. Investors should back captive power instead of grid-based projects, she suggests.

Company participation has surged 120 per cent since the green option programme was introduced four years ago, finds a new report. But despite demand growth, renewable energy supply remains limited.

Labour representatives say that Malaysia’s workers are unprepared for the energy transition, with many prioritising economic issues such as wages over sustainability. A recent report called for a national assessment of workforce readiness, as well as more awareness building and upskilling programmes.

APP is Indonesia's first major resources firm to get its climate goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, although the targets do not yet include its biggest source of emissions. Rival RGE has also restated its climate commitments despite political signals of the country's retreat from the Paris Agreement.

Disinformation on solar and wind energy, fueled by Trump, has stalled projects in the West. In Asia, the world's most fossil fuels-dependent region, renewables misinformation has helped to slow the energy transition.

Industry players welcome Singapore’s plan for a global framework to recognise RECs from cross-border electricity trading outside single markets, like the EU and the US, but stress the need to prevent double counting and ensure transparency.

A flurry of high-profile decisions this year such as an electricity law update have propped up optimism in Vietnam's renewables sector. But green power firms are wary about restarting projects in a market marred by past volatility.

Energy professionals are gradually moving out of oil, gas and coal jobs for positions in renewables in the world’s most fossil fuel-dependent region. Eco-Business asked executives why they made the switch.

Despite Rempang residents rejecting eviction to develop the Indonesian island into a solar hub tied to a deal exporting clean power to Singapore, authorities have begun house demolitions – some unannounced – under the project's “new phase”.

Cirebon 1’s financial advisor says the model "might not be replicable" nationwide as grid stability costs were overlooked early on and transition credits – being trialled in the Philippines – may not apply. Updates on the pending transaction are expected at COP29.

He dislikes spending climate money, but opportunities could arise where interests align. Observers also hope the private market can pull through if the US disengages.