The Accelerating Transition to Renewable Energy in Asia

Many years from now, people will look back on the 2020s as a pivotal decade in human history. A global transformation is currently taking place in the way that our homes, transport systems, businesses, and industries are powered –  a decade of renewable energy transition in Asia. Although the development of renewable energy infrastructure is nothing new, the last few years have seen a massive acceleration in the transition away from fossil fuels. 

Underlying this trend is Goal 7 of The UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which seeks to  “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy” for all citizens.  Since being founded in 2003, ESC has overseen the development of countless renewable energy projects in Asia and beyond, putting it on the front line of this global effort. Check out more from our Associate in Singapore, ESC on this topic below and find the full original blog on their site here.

The surge in demand for renewable energy

Renewable energy use is growing exponentially across the globe. According to the IEA, the proportion of the world’s electricity generation coming from renewables jumped by 29% in 2020 alone. This shift is not just an environmental need but also an economic one. The transition to renewable energy has significant implications for global GDP. 

The investment in and development of green energy infrastructure are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation worldwide. New green energy infrastructure can hardly be built quickly enough to keep up with the burgeoning demand, and this is particularly true in the Asia Pacific region. 

For instance,  ESC’s combined solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal projects have seen more than a 10-fold increase in energy capacity in just the last four years! Although these are eye-opening figures, 85% of Asia’s total energy consumption still comes from fossil fuels, so the reality is that the green energy revolution in the region is only just getting started.

Supporting the green revolution in Asia

The increasing demand for renewables spawned a proliferation of green energy infrastructure projects for ESC in Asia. The increased demand for our solutions in recent years reflects some of the major observable trends in the countries we operate including:

• the rise of offshore wind farms in Vietnam, which are poised to become a key pillar of the country’s energy transition
• the deployment of large-scale solar photovoltaic systems (PV) in Singapore
• the development of major solar, wind, and hydropower projects in Malaysia
• the solar energy market in Indonesia is being driven by Singapore’s need for cross-border energy imports and
• an increase in cross-border power imports to meet the existing demand for clean energy 

In addition to expanding renewable energy capacity, ESC is also focused on making energy efficiency improvements in both existing and new projects. These improvements are crucial for getting the most out of renewable energy systems and ensuring that every kilowatt generated is used effectively.

Furthermore, ESC is exploring the potential of carbon hydrogen technologies. These technologies could play a key role in the region's renewable energy landscape by offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

The role of the energy sector and natural resources

The energy sector in Asia is undergoing a significant transformation as it moves away from coal power and other fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy sources. Coal power has long been a dominant source of energy in the region, but its environmental impact has driven the push for cleaner alternatives. This transition is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Natural resources play a vital role in this transition. Countries rich in resources like sunlight, wind, and water are harnessing these to generate renewable energy. For example, Indonesia's abundant sunlight is being tapped for solar power, while Vietnam's coastal winds are perfect for offshore wind farms.

Electric vehicles and the long term

The shift to renewable energy is also complemented by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Asia. EVs are crucial for reducing the region's reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down on emissions from the transport sector. Countries like China and India are making significant strides in EV adoption, supported by government policies and incentives.

In the long term, the transition to renewable energy and the adoption of electric vehicles will have profound impacts on the region's energy landscape. It will lead to greater energy security, reduced environmental impact, and economic growth through the creation of new industries and job opportunities.

Looking ahead

If the growing energy demand for reliable forms of renewable energy is to be met in Asia in the years to come, then environmental consultants will have an important role to play. In helping to clear the roadblocks to green energy development, while mitigating the worst of the environmental impacts associated with it, our Alliance Associates will pave the way to a more sustainable future in Asia.

Learn more on how to assess and reduce energy use and costs over time through creation of an energy management action plan in our recent article here. Regular review and analysis of these plans allow organizations to proactively onboard new technologies and methods of energy management.

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