Background

Aftershocks from the pandemic and a parallel rebound in economic activity has led to an increase in global energy demand, much of which is being met by fossil fuels, resulting in record carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. But while the current polycrisis is highly disruptive, it also creates opportunities for change and to build responses. Rising energy prices, energy insecurity, as well as commitments aimed at tackling the climate crisis and creating a carbon neutral future, have had a direct impact on the rising yet varying demand for renewables.

Renewable energy uptake rose in 2022 across Asia. The increasing shares of renewable energy in final energy mix contributed to improving energy security, increasing employment and industrialisation as well energy access. But uptake across the region is uneven and the continued dependance on high share of fossil fuel threatens to undermine this progress.

This session will build on the latest data from the just-released Renewables 2023 Global Status Report.The status of renewables and key trends across Asia will be presented. Panellists will then unpack this information, looking more closely at key trends and implications for renewables uptake in the region. Panellists will also provide real-case examples of where renewable energy is contributing to energy access and improved energy security but also where insufficient enabling conditions have slowed or reversed progress. The role of renewables in developing countries in the region will be of particular focus.

Objectives

The objectives of this workshop are two-fold:

  • Learn about the evolving trends over 2022 and the resultant opportunities to improve energy security and energy access with renewables
  • Understand which enabling conditions can increase the speed of renewable energy uptake in the region

AGENDA


2:00 - 2:03 p.m.

Welcome


2:03 - 2:18 p.m.

Scene Setting: Renewables 2023 Global Status Report: Asia’s Response to the Polycrisis

Laura Williamson, REN21


2:18 - 3:18 p.m.

Faciliated Panel + Audience Discussion

Panellists will discuss the latest developments in energy access and energy security in their region and their sector and what needs to happen to speed up these developments. This will be an interactive session with steady audience participation throughout this segment.

  • Ayu Abdullah, Energy Action Partners (Malaysia)

  • Preeti Kumari, WRI India

  • Peter Lundberg, APUEA


3:18 - 3:23 p.m.

Reflection

Panellists


3:23 - 3:25 p.m.

Summary and Close

Laura Williamson, REN21

SPEAKERS

Laura Williamson

Laura Williamson

Director, Membership And Institutional Partnerships, REN21

Ayu Abdullah

Ayu Abdullah

Executive Director, Energy Action Partners

Peter Lundberg

Peter Lundberg

Executive Director, Asia Pacific Urban Energy Association (APUEA)

Preeti Kumari

Preeti Kumari

Program Associate, World Resources Institute