Research Database

This study emphasizes the need for ASEAN countries to decarbonize their power sector, suggesting a mix of strategies including switching from coal to gas, implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) in fossil fuel plants, and further utilizing renewable sources like hydropower, biomass, solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and geothermal, while addressing sustainability and technological challenges to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The paper assesses ten decarbonization technologies for the ASEAN power sector, emphasizing the need for simultaneous use of fossil and non-fossil technologies. It highlights the potential of switching from coal to gas and implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) for high decarbonization, proposing eleven first-mover CCS projects. Renewable options, such as hydropower and biomass, are considered, with solar photovoltaic showing medium potential. Wind energy needs further research, and geothermal resources are underutilized in Indonesia and the Philippines, requiring supportive government policies. The paper offers recommendations for rapid decarbonization in the ASEAN power sector.

The objective of this study is to select the technologies that have the highest potential to decarbonize the power sector of the ten countries of ASEAN and then draw policy implications.