The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a unique opportunity to develop a sustainable energy system based on renewable energy resources.

The region has abundant potential for solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy.

These resources can be used to support socioeconomic development while mitigating climate change. Renewable energy development will play a crucial role in aligning the region’s emissions pathway with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Thus, a long-term renewable energy roadmap needs to be developed and implemented in the region.

The roadmap needs to accommodate at least the following fundamentals:

  • a clear vision for the future of renewable energy in the region
  • a comprehensive plan for achieving these goals
  • a commitment from all ASEAN member states and key actors.

This brief gives an overview of the importance of having a long-term renewable energy roadmap for ASEAN. It explores how to govern the development process best, closing with recommendations for developing a participative and integrated roadmap among key actors beyond governments

This policy brief is produced by Energy Transition Policy Development Forum for ASEAN Indonesia Chair 2023 as part of the ASEAN Energy Side Event Series under the Energy Cooperation Coordinator of ASEAN 2023 Chair Secretariat, supported by Climateworks Centre, Centre for Policy Development (CPD), International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Indonesia Research Institute for Decarbonization (IRID), Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), and Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC).

This brief summarises and reflects our discussion on the topic during our second ASEAN Energy Side Event on 18 July 2023.