An Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) 2019 Deep Dive Workshop

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions and as such needs new investments in power and infrastructure to meet the demands of the rapidly urbanizing and a relatively young population. An accelerated transition to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure in Southeast Asia provide an opportunity for a new development paradigm leading to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern economic future for the region. This transition can be catalyzed by innovative partnerships between domestic and internationally supported efforts to meet the targets under the framework of the Paris Agreement. The need for action and the investment opportunity are substantial – the region has set a goal of making 23% of its primary energy supply renewable by 2025, compared to 9.4% in 2014. This presents a USD 27 billion investment opportunity (equivalent to 1% of regional GDP) over the next eight years, according to a recent analysis (IRENA, 2018).

This ACEF Lunch Talk session began with a presentation on the comparative assessment of green financing initiatives in the region and achievements to date. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion involving regional project developers, policymakers, regulators, donors, and philanthropies. The panel discussion will enable a better understanding of the achievements to date and ongoing regional and national initiatives in green finance to meet sustainable development aspirations in South East Asia; the need for green/sustainable finance, early-stage project finance, policy and technical assistance in accelerating clean energy investments in the region; risks and rewards of clean energy projects; the role of policies and regulations in achieving competitive prices; the need for joint action, improved coordination, and dialogue (between governments, private sector, philanthropic foundations, and other stakeholders) to address the barriers to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development in South East Asia.