ASEAN solar, wind capacity up 20% in 2023

Around 23 GW of renewable energy projects are expected to come online by 2025.

The operating utility-scale solar and wind capacity of countries part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rose by 20% year-on-year (YoY) in 2023 to reach over 28 gigawatts (GW), led by Vietnam.

In a statement, Global Energy Monitor (GEM) said has the largest operating utility-scale solar and wind capacity with 19 GW, followed by the Philippines and Thailand, with 3 GW each.

With the addition, GEM said the country is on track to meet its 35% installed renewable energy capacity goals by 2025 in advance, as it only needs 10.7 GW of utility-scale projects to reach the target.

The region is expected to exceed the goal as 23 GW will be operational by 2025, it said.

 However, GEM noted that it would still be an “uphill path” due to the lack of progress breaking ground on new projects, challenging regulatory environment, and reliance on fossil fuels.

“The growth of renewables across the region is impressive, but so much more can be achieved. With the world now aiming to triple renewables capacity by 2030, governments need to make it easier to bring wind and solar power online,” said Janna Smith, researcher at GEM and report lead author.

“Switching to renewables now from coal and gas will save countries time and money on the path to a clean energy future,” she added.

GEM said the region has almost five times more prospective offshore wind power than onshore at 124 GW, but only 6 GW are currently under construction.