ASEAN has over 99% untapped wind, solar potential

The region has 30,523 GW solar potential and 1,383 GW projected wind capacity.

With only 27 gigawatts (GW) of solar power and 6.8 GW of wind installed capacity in 2022, the Association of Southeast Asian Nation member states still has over 99% of wind and solar power potential capacity that remains untapped.

In a report, think tank Ember said the region has around 30,523 GW of solar and 1,383 GW wind potential, citing estimates by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

“In order to attract investment, ASEAN countries need a supportive policy and regulatory environment, guaranteeing the implementation of attractive renewable pricing mechanisms and streamlined renewable supply chains,” the report read.

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“Investments in grid extensions and modernisation combined with energy storage facilities will be an essential prerequisite to integrating solar and wind technologies into the power grid,” it added.

According to Ember, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia have the largest solar potential, whilst Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam could lead prospective wind capacity in the region.