Renewable Energy Milestones Across the Asia Pacific: A September Update

September has witnessed significant advancements in solar energy and renewable initiatives across Singapore and the broader Asia Pacific region. These developments are setting the stage for a cleaner, more sustainable future, highlighting the transformative power of international collaboration and investment in renewable energy. Here’s a detailed look at the latest updates:

Singapore’s Green Plan 2030

Singapore is making remarkable progress with its ambitious Green Plan 2030, which aims to quadruple the country’s solar capacity to 2 GWp by 2030. This initiative involves investments of up to $20 billion in green projects and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by the middle of the century. Current projects include large-scale urban solar installations and innovative offshore solar farms. Singapore’s approach to integrating solar energy into urban design positions it as a leader in solar energy deployment in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s National Solar Program

Indonesia has launched a National Solar Program, aimed at rapidly increasing its solar energy capacity from 0.6 GW in 2021 to 6.5 GW by 2025. This ambitious initiative is backed by international investments totaling $1.5 billion, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and enhance its renewable energy infrastructure. With a population exceeding 270 million, Indonesia’s commitment to solar energy is vital for its energy security and environmental sustainability.

Vietnam’s Solar Expansion

Vietnam continues to solidify its position as a top solar producer in Southeast Asia, with installed solar capacity surpassing 16.5 GW as of mid-2023. This growth has been driven by foreign direct investment, which has increased by 40% in the renewable energy sector over the past two years. The country aims to achieve 26 GW of solar capacity by 2030, reflecting its commitment to renewable energy expansion amidst a growing demand for electricity projected to increase by 8% annually. Read more about Vietnam's solar landscape here.

South Korea’s Landmark Climate Ruling

In a landmark ruling on August 29, 2024, South Korea’s Constitutional Court declared parts of the Carbon Neutrality Act unconstitutional, significantly advancing climate litigation. The Court found that the Act’s lack of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets beyond 2030 shifted the burden of climate action to future generations, which is unacceptable. This decision recognizes climate change as a constitutional rights issue and acknowledges the rights of future generations.

The case was initiated by a coalition of young activists from Youth 4 Climate Action, who argued that the current mandate to reduce GHG emissions by 40% from 2018 levels by 2030 was inadequate. The Court agreed, stating that the absence of post-2030 targets violated the State's duty to protect citizens from climate change impacts. Crucially, the Court did not declare the entire 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) unconstitutional but mandated that the National Assembly revise the law to include milestone targets up to 2050. It also established that climate targets must be based on scientific facts, international standards, and the nation’s fair share of global responsibilities.

This ruling is expected to transform climate policy discussions in South Korea, leading to more ambitious targets aligned with scientific evidence. It underscores the judiciary's role in holding governments accountable for protecting both current and future generations from climate change. As South Korea re-evaluates its climate policies, the implications of this ruling will be closely watched, potentially inspiring future cases that reinforce governments' constitutional obligations regarding environmental protection. Find out more here.

China’s Renewable Achievements

China has made substantial strides in renewable energy over the past decade:

• The country has reduced air pollution by 41% since 2013 by curtailing coal usage and increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources, which now account for over 50% of its electricity generation.
• China has also exceeded 100 GW of installed energy storage capacity, making it a global leader in renewable energy storage solutions. This capacity supports the growing use of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar, contributing to the country’s target of reaching 1,200 GW of solar capacity by 2030. Learn more about China's renewable energy initiatives here.

These regional advancements highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of renewable energy across the Asia Pacific, where nations are increasingly stepping up their efforts to combat climate change and invest in a greener future.

To explore these trends further, visit our curated list of articles on the Sunollo blog, where we keep you updated on the latest innovations and projects in renewable energy across the globe.

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