Asean's renewable push needs inclusive economic models

South China Morning Post

19-07-2025

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at
[e-mail] or filling in
this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification
In South Papua, Indonesia, nine-year-old Ulin spends hours each day collecting water and firewood – time that could be spent in school or learning online. Her village, once reliant on diesel generators, has struggled to afford fuel amid rising costs. With the nearest grid over 50km away, communities like hers are left quite literally in the dark.
Such stories highlight a deeper issue. While Southeast Asia's economies are growing rapidly, access to reliable, affordable and
clean electricity remains uneven. The International Energy Agency estimates that about 35 million people in the region still lack electricity, and that more than 100 million rely on traditional biomass or kerosene for cooking.
As the global energy transition accelerates, we must remember a fundamental principle: no one should be left behind. A just transition means more than swapping fossil fuels for renewables; it's about ensuring communities have the energy they need to thrive, from hospitals to schools to homes.
Progress requires more than large-scale infrastructure. It demands inclusive economic models, resilient institutions and tailored support for rural and marginalised populations.
Southeast Asian governments have advanced regional cooperation on renewables, yet deployment on the ground remains uneven. Urban and wealthier communities often benefit first, while poorer regions face hurdles in financing and technical support.