But the current energy target is not tied to the regional response to recover from the Covid-19 crisis . What is missing is the acknowledgement that the clean energy transition is key to enhancing regional energy security and accessibility in the time of Covid-19 , and is essential to ensure universal health coverage .
ASEAN ’ s green power sector relies on foreign supply chains and investment , making it vulnerable . As a regional community , ASEAN should consider nationalising this vital sector .
With several AMS ’ initiatives to include the clean energy transition in their Covid-19 recovery plan , such as the opening of 1GW Large- Scale Solar ( LSS ) in Malaysia and invitation for investment in renewable energy projects under Covid-19 Economic Relief Plan ( CERP ) in Myanmar , the region has a promising market for domestic suppliers .
Accordingly , if the investment is extended to develop regional expertise in renewable energy for research and development ( R & D ), installation , operation , and maintenance , citizens of ASEAN countries could replace international consultants .
Moreover , ASEAN could invest more in the manufacturing capability of renewable energy technology . For example , the existing manufacturers of some photovoltaic components in Malaysia , Thailand , Vietnam , Philippines , and Singapore , could expand their share in the regional market .
In conclusion , during this recovery period , ASEAN should aim for broader developmental strategies , and look beyond reactive measures . Low-carbon power development could make future ASEAN economies more resilient , ensuring the achievement of universal electricity and health access , and mitigating climate change .
It is time for ASEAN to work together to close the economic disparity among AMS by enhancing transparency in business and Governance systems .
ASEAN to push utilisation of Storage Technologies – THE ASEAN POST
ASEAN Member States ( AMS ) need to step up their game on energy storage development . As the 6 th ASEAN Energy Outlook foretells , ASEAN ’ s Total
Final Energy Consumption ( TFEC ) is projected to increase by 38 % by 2025 and 146 % by 2040 , from 375 mega tonnes of oil equivalent ( Mtoe ) in 2017 to 922Mtoe in 2040 .
ASEAN ’ s top priority in facing this situation is to supply the growing demand with clean and sustainable energy . Determinedly , the region has set the targets of 23 % renewable energy share in Total Primary Energy Supply ( TPES ), and 35 % share of renewable energy in ASEAN installed power capacity by 2025 . This means that energy storage is required .
Status Quo AMS have begun to make efforts to balance the intermittency issue of renewable energy in their electric grids by developing energy storage systems . To date , there are various types of energy storage technologies around the globe . Amongst others , pumped hydro storage is the most mature and largest available commercially .
On the other hand , battery energy storage is considered as a critical technology in the transition towards sustainable energy . The declining price and increasing use of lithium-ion batteries , is proven by the declining price , especially in electric vehicles and renewable projects within the region .
Thailand installed two sets of KSTAR 5kW + 10kWh energy storage systems ( BluE- 5000D ) in December 2020 . The storage already provides clean and stable night-time power supply at the Chumpoll Temple in Ayutthaya Province , Thailand .
Despite the great potential of the energy storage system for the region ’ s transition , these technologies , are unfortunately not yet broadly deployed by all AMS .
Policy to push for further development As renewable energy sources will play a more prominent role in the region ’ s sustainable development , the integration of energy storage systems in Southeast Asia is imminent . Energy storage seems to be facilitating the transition towards clean and sustainable energy , particularly for islands and rural areas within the region .
In the next three years , the World Bank forecasts that approximately 10GW storage capacity might be realised . Although most of the projected 10GW capacity would probably be
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