The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has penned a deal to step up the regions renewable energy ambitions.
Working in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the memorandum of understanding heralds the start of a new era for green power in the region.
“Southeast Asia is a dynamic and rapidly evolving region with strong economic growth, rising incomes and growing populations, factors that will increase regional demand for power,” explained Mr. Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of IRENA. “Renewables will be the key to addressing this growing demand and ensuring energy security, while powering the inclusive and sustainable economic development of the region.
He continued: “This partnership brings political will and technical knowledge together to unlock the vast potential that exists in Southeast Asia to harness renewable energy and deliver widespread benefits to communities in all ten member states. IRENA will work closely with ASEAN to implement a joint action plan that ensures Southeast Asia continues its remarkable economic story in a new age of energy.”
The pair will strengthen the investment landscape – and build deployment capabilities – to support ASEAN meet its ‘target of 23 per cent of primary energy from renewables by 2025’.
The MoU was agreed at the 36th ASEAN Ministers on Energy (AMEM) and the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).