Ember estimates ASEAN needs up to USD 10.7 billion in smart grid investment. (Photo: iStock)
“Smart grids are no longer optional. They are the backbone of ASEAN’s clean energy future,” said Alnie Demoral, energy analyst at Ember.
Renewable capacity in ASEAN has more than doubled over the past decade, but an investment of up to USD 10.7 billion in smart grids will be needed to meet rising power demand and sustain economic growth, according to Ember.
The report notes that strengthening grid resilience, flexibility, and interconnectivity will be essential to fully unlock the region’s clean power potential and prevent annual GDP losses of USD 2.3 billion by 2040.
Smarter, more reliable grids for ASEAN’s renewable boom
By 2050, ASEAN’s solar capacity is projected to increase more than twelvefold, from 27.7 GW in 2023 to 334.8 GW. The surge in variable generation calls for advanced grids that can instantly respond to fluctuations, as even minor imbalances can lead to curtailment or outages.
