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New Energy World magazine logo
New Energy World magazine logo
ISSN 2753-7757 (Online)

Challenges facing ASEAN in the energy transition

27/11/2024

8 min read

Feature

View across reservoir overlooking dam with hills behind Photo: Adobe Stock/Matyas Rehak
Nam Ou 5 dam, Laos – hydroelectricity is the biggest source of renewable energy in ASEAN

Photo: Adobe Stock/Matyas Rehak

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) brings together a small group of countries that make up an economic powerhouse. Their energy demand is growing; their growth in carbon emissions exceeds the global average; they are home to some of the most vulnerable communities on the planet. Digital Knowledge and Information Manager Claire Cortis AMEI looks at the significant challenges ASEAN members face as they navigate the energy transition.

ASEAN was established in 1967 and aims to promote security, economic growth and socio-cultural development across its 10 member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

According to World Bank data, the ASEAN region has a population of 685 million, and this figure is predicted to rise to nearly 788 million by 2050. The region has a GDP of more than $3.5tn, which is predicted to triple by 2050. By 2030 it will be the world’s fourth largest economy.

 

These factors will continue driving growth in energy consumption, which, according to data from the Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy is 2.5 times higher than in the year 2000 and has grown on average 3.5%/y over the past decade. ASEAN accounted for 11% of Asia-Pacific’s total energy demand in 2023, with Indonesia accounting for the highest proportion of this figure at 31%.

 

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