News

As major cities such as Hanoi weigh bans on gasoline motorbikes to curb air pollution, Vietnam’s leading EV maker VinFast on Jan. 15 unveiled three new battery-swappable electric scooters.

A new United Nations treaty governing biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction will enter into force on January 17th 2026, creating the first global framework to conserve life on the high seas.

Indonesia has confirmed a delay to its B50 biodiesel mandate, while Thailand pushes ahead with electric mobility, power sector planning, and CBAM compliance.

Deforestation is accelerating, underscoring Indonesia’s reputation as a big greenhouse gas emitter and potentially inviting more scrutiny of its commodity exports.

Malaysia’s National Biomass Action Plan published in 2023 projected up to 182 million tons of biomass output annually, with the potential to generate RM17 billion in economic value by 2030.

The ASEAN Power Grid’s only existing multilateral electricity trading scheme has finally secured a new agreement. Malaysia’s TNB announced on Jan. 14 that the second phase of the LTMS-PIP 2.0 has been formally signed.

Japanese companies and policymakers are increasingly viewing biomass as a strategic bridge for Southeast Asia's coal-dependent grids.

Vietnam has long struggled with severe air pollution, with its capital Hanoi frequently topping global rankings for the worst air quality. In response, both central and local governments are stepping up efforts to restore cleaner air.

Indonesia has officially postponed its plan to mandate a 50% biodiesel blending rate (B50), originally slated for 2026. Following a government meeting on Jan. 14, the country will instead maintain its current B40 policy.

Endowed with abundant natural resources, Southeast Asia shows strong promise for bioenergy development. With relatively stable feedstock supplies, the region has the potential to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar.