RSIS Commentary Paper on RE in Southeast Asia
The RSIS Commentary paper on “Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia: Priorities and Commitments Needed” is written by Margareth Sembiring and Julius Cesar I. Trajano, the energy security analysts with the Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University.
The paper describes the current situation of renewable energy development in Southeast Asia where most countries in the region have set higher targets for renewables share in their national energy mix, but overall the use of renewables in the region is still limited relative to their potential. Challenges remain similar in SEA countries where renewable energy sources are often located in remote areas, rendering connection to main power grids a significant technical hurdle. In addition, administrative and legal process, as well as financing to the development are still big questions.
The writers explains the potential of renewable energy optimization in the region, thus the regional on-going cooperation shall be maintained and strengthened. Lastly, the paper recommends to strengthen the commitments from governments in Southeast Asia are key to a successful development of renewable energy in the region.