IRENA – Socio-economic Footprint of the Energy Transition: Southeast Asia (2nd Edition)

The transition towards renewable energy in the ASEAN region is gaining momentum, with member countries focusing on reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security through policies and regional initiatives.

The upcoming ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (2026-2030) aims to further integrate and advance the clean energy transition in the region. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of sustainability and resilience in the energy sector, prompting measures to build a more sustainable and secure energy future. IRENA's updated outlook on renewable energy in ASEAN highlights the potential socio-economic benefits of a comprehensive energy transition, projecting a significant increase in GDP under the 1.5°C Scenario compared to the Planned Energy Scenario. Transition-related investments in renewables and energy efficiency are expected to drive economic growth and offset declines in fossil fuel investments, contributing to a more stable and evenly distributed economic gain across the region.