Southeast Asia’s electricity demand is growing at one of the fastest rates globally – over 7% annually, nearly double the world average – driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth and rising living standards. This surge in demand, projected to double by 2050, coincides with the region’s vast untapped renewable energy potential of 20 terawatts from solar and wind resources alone – roughly 55 times current total generation capacity.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has extensively analysed variable renewable energy (VRE) integration challenges globally, and this experience forms the foundation for understanding how Southeast Asia can navigate its energy transformation. Eight of ten ASEAN member states have announced carbon neutrality targets, making renewable integration a critical policy priority.
This new report – based on analysis of VRE integration phases, grid infrastructure needs, and policy frameworks across ASEAN countries – explores how the region can manage the technical and economic challenges of integrating large-scale renewables while maintaining energy security and affordability. It provides country-specific implementation pathways and examines the role of regional cooperation in delivering secure, sustainable power systems that support economic growth and climate objectives.
The report will be launched at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum on 15 October. (https://asean-aebf.com/)
Furthermore a webinar with the authors highlighting the report’s key findings will take place online in November.