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🤔 The future of renewables is somewhat looking brighter, but we’re not quite fully charged yet.

⚡️ The latest IEA Renewables 2024 report shows that while there’s plenty of wattage to feel optimistic about, we’re still running on low voltage. Globally, renewable energy capacity is expected to grow by 2.7 times by 2030, but we’re still short-circuiting on the ambitious target to triple capacity set at COP28. Southeast Asia is starting to shine, especially with Vietnam’s solar boom, but the region has a few hurdles to jump—like outdated infrastructure that’s struggling to keep the current flowing and policies that need to get plugged in for a boost.

📱 On the tech front, things are getting electrifying! Innovations like smart grids and energy storage are stepping up to make renewable energy more efficient and reliable, particularly in places like Indonesia and the Philippines, where renewables are finally starting to rise. A major takeaway from the report is that renewable energy development in Southeast Asia is set to hit the accelerator over the next decade.

🌞 Solar PV and wind power are gearing up to dominate the region’s renewable capacity growth, thanks to favorable policies and increasingly competitive prices. But let’s not forget hydropower, which still holds significant value, especially in countries like Vietnam and Laos.

🏋🏽‍♂️ Despite these bright spots, the report reminds us that Southeast Asia still has some catching up to do compared to global heavyweights like China and the European Union. The renewable energy race has some bumps in the road, with financing hurdles and outdated infrastructure slowing down progress in many ASEAN countries. One of the biggest challenges is integrating renewables into the grid.

🔓 To unlock the full potential of clean energy—especially in emerging economies like Cambodia and Myanmar—governments need to prioritize investments in grid upgrades and create clearer, long-term renewable energy policies. With the right support, Southeast Asia could be a key player in the global clean energy transition and turn up the volume on sustainable power!

🌏 Despite the region's potential, Southeast Asia's energy transition has been progressing at a slower pace than anticipated, with some emphasizing it on recent headlines.

📰 Let’s explore the latest news making waves in Southeast Asia’s energy sector and its surrounding issues!

🗞️ Recent News

⏭️ In our next issue, we'll dive deeper into the often overlooked but crucial topic of hydropower, featuring an exclusive interview with the 29th Prime Minister of Australia to shed light on its significance.

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🌊 SEA you next time!

Karina & Massimiliano