Asian Nations Face Grid Inequity Hindering Renewable Energy Expansion
Asian governments are accelerating electrification and expanding renewable energy, but outdated power systems and regulations are creating significant barriers to fair grid access. A workshop hosted by Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) in Bangkok brought together organizations from South Korea, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore to discuss these shared issues. The workshop highlighted that while investment in grid infrastructure is occurring, existing power systems often favor conventional fossil fuel generation, making it difficult for renewable projects to connect and integrate effectively. For instance, South Korea's 'Energy Highway' initiative aims for over 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030, but grid access remains a challenge, with state-owned utility Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) acting as a gatekeeper, causing bottlenecks. This situation is exacerbated by growing electricity demand from AI data centers and manufacturing industries, putting additional pressure on already stra...
