IRENA launches new platform accelerating clean energy transition in ASEAN

APRESA will serve as a platform to mobilise financing for relevant projects.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has launched the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia (APRESA) that aims to fuel the shift to renewable energy in the region.

“To keep pace with this ambition and expand our support to the region, IRENA is pleased to kick-start the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Southeast Asia, APRESA,” IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said during the opening of the Singapore–IRENA High-Level Forum.

Southeast Asia is projected to account for 25% of global energy demand growth by 2035. Over half of the region’s total electricity could come from renewable sources, but substantial investment will be required to unlock green industrial growth and job creation.

The region will need to invest an estimated $200b annually in renewables and energy efficiency by 2030.

Through APRESA, financing will be mobilised for national and cross-border projects whilst supporting harmonisation of technical standards and developing finance and business models to enable grid integration across member countries.

“We welcome this initiative and hope APRESA can address some of the key challenges in our regional energy system, particularly on the topics of cross-border electricity trade, renewable energy project financing, and grid modernisation,” said Dr. Tan See Leng, minister-in-charge of energy and science & technology in Singapore.