ASEAN’s renewable energy has now reached just 26% of electricity generation in 2024—well below the global average of 40.9%, according to a new report by energy think tank Ember. The report highlights Lao PDR and Vietnam as the only two ASEAN nations exceeding the global average, thanks largely to their hydropower resources. Meanwhile, solar power remains underutilized across the region, with the share of solar generation rising only marginally from 3.1% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2024. Vietnam leads with 8.5%, but has seen no growth in solar output over the past three years.
The report underscores the region's immense untapped clean energy potential, with solar and wind technical capacity estimated at over 30,000 GW and 1,300 GW, respectively. However, installed capacity remains a fraction of this—just 26.6 GW for solar and 6.8 GW for wind. In 2024, clean energy sources accounted for only 23% of the growth in ASEAN’s power demand, down from 40% over the previous five years. Experts say stronger policy support and investment in renewables are critical to meeting rising energy needs and climate goals. Investment and technical expertise from U.S. private sector can certainly support this transformation as firms find new and creative ways to support sustainability initiatives amidst changes in U.S. energy and foreign policy.
