ASEAN energy ministers push renewable projects and grid links in Southeast Asia

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ASEAN renewable energy push

Highlights

ASEAN targets a 30% renewable share in total primary energy supply and 45% in installed power capacity by 2030, requiring 31 GW of new renewables annually.
Ministers agreed to accelerate ASEAN Power Grid development to provide affordable electricity to 700 million people, demanding increased regional coordination and investment.
ASEAN electricity demand is projected to rise over 60% from 2015 to 2025, necessitating grid modernization, renewable integration, and supporting full electrification by 2035.

Meetings focus on implementation and regional targets

As reported by BusinessWorld Online, the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting was convened in Pasay City on Oct. 7, with Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin as chair and Singapore Energy, Trade, and Industry Minister Dr. Tan See Leng as vice-chair.

Two days earlier, the ASEAN Energy Business Forum gathered policymakers, industry leaders and innovators under the theme “Clean Energy Unlocked: A Stronger ASEAN.” Together, the meetings emphasize that ASEAN must convert policy commitments into projects, infrastructure, regulatory changes and investment programs that can strengthen energy security.

Under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, the region is targeting a 30% renewable energy share in total primary energy supply and a 45% renewable energy share in installed power capacity by 2030. The 9th ASEAN Energy Outlook estimates ASEAN needs to add 31 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity each year through 2030 to meet the power-capacity target.

Grid expansion and partnerships shape regional impact

The ASEAN Power Grid remains a central initiative in the region’s strategy, with the potential to provide more affordable electricity to about 700 million people while reinforcing national and regional power systems. Ministers have agreed to accelerate its development, although moving from planning to construction requires sustained coordination among governments, investors, industry and regional partners.

Robert Cooke of the Global Renewables Alliance says expanded and modernized grids are necessary to integrate larger volumes of renewable energy while improving system flexibility and stability. The article also cites International Energy Agency data showing ASEAN electricity demand rises by more than 60% between 2015 and 2025, highlighting the scale of investment needed to support full electrification by 2035.

Industry groups also see the transition as an economic opportunity. Ann Francisco of the Global Wind Energy Council says ASEAN’s shift can support stronger local industries and job creation, particularly through offshore wind, while the Philippines’ AMEM Chair 2026 agenda stresses reliable access, investment, innovation and resilience as core themes for regional cooperation.

Our earlier coverage looked at Philippine communities pressing the World Bank Group’s IFC to deliver long-delayed remedies for environmental and social harm linked to coal plants financed via IFC-backed channels. The article detailed claims about pollution and health risks around specific facilities, alongside calls for transparency and accountability over recommendations that campaigners say have not translated into on-the-ground redress.

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