Are floating solar PV installations a key pillar of Southeast Asia's Energy Future?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity additions are poised to be a central pillar of Southeast Asia’s energy future, with floating installations primed to play a critical role.

Will PV demand grow in Southeast Asia in 2024?

InfoLink projects that PV demand in Southeast Asia will reach 4.5-7.4 GW in 2024, with long-term demand likely growing to 9.7-12.9 GW, suggesting that the Southeast Asian PV market will maintain steady growth in the coming years, becoming a key player in the global energy transition.

Why is PV module manufacturing under pressure in Southeast Asia?

Despite strong ambitions, PV module manufacturing in Southeast Asian is currently under pressure. Operational capacities have been significantly reduced or temporarily halted, primarily due to U.S. import tariffs. Once a strategic workaround for Chinese manufacturers aiming to access Western markets, Southeast Asia now faces growing constraints.

How much does solar PV cost in ASEAN?

The LCOE for wind and solar PV varies significantly across the ASEAN member states. The existence of high-quality wind and solar energy resources plays a significant role in the estimated cost per unit of generation. Solar PV and wind LCOEs range from $64 to $246 USD/MWh and from $42 to $221 USD/MWh, respectively, across the region.

What are the challenges facing the Southeast Asian PV market?

Despite the promising outlook, the Southeast Asian PV market faces several challenges. The first major obstacle is the insufficient grid capacity to integrate more solar power. Many countries are working to improve their infrastructure to support the increased feed-in of solar-generated electricity.

Which country has the most PV policies in Southeast Asia?

Singapore is considered the most mature country regarding PV policies in Southeast Asia. However, due to geographical limitations, PV projects can hardly be widely established within the country.