Sustainability and challenges of renewable energy in ASEAN countries: Insights from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

Abstract

Supported by the "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework" (IPEF), the United States has established multilateral partnerships with fourteen countries in the Indo-Pacific region, including seven ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. The main content of IPEF revolves around the four core pillars of the interconnected economy, flexible economy, clean economy, and fair economy, deeply integrating allies in the Indo-Pacific region, forming a new geo-economic structure. In the context of the global energy crisis, renewable clean energy has become an important focus area of the IPEF. As an important part of the IPEF, the renewable energy economy of ASEAN countries, dominated by traditional fossil energy, is facing sustainable opportunities and difficulties in the energy transition period. Based on that, this research conducts a concrete analysis from three dimensions: the status quo of renewable energy supply and demand in ASEAN countries, the analysis of ASEAN's renewable energy development opportunities in the context of IPEF, and the analysis of ASEAN's renewable energy development challenges in the context of IPEF. Finally, policy recommendations are put forward, including the formulation of energy strategies and action plans for ASEAN countries, improvement of the renewable energy policy system, and strengthening of power infrastructure planning.